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THE 


ILIAD  OF  HOMER 


RENDERED  INTO  ENGLISH  BLANK  VERSE. 


BY 

EDWARD     EARL     OF     DERBY. 


IN    TWO     VOLUMES. 
VOL.    I. 


THIRD    EDITION. 
FBOM  THE  FIFTH  REVISED  ENGLISH  EDITION. 


NEW  YOKK: 

CHARLES  SCRIBKER  &  CO.,  654  BROADWAY. 


1869. 


1 


VA 


V, 


TO 

HI3   KOYAL    HIGHNESS 

ALBERT  EDWARD  PRIXOE  OF  WALES.  K.G. 

<&S.    &fi.    &c. 

THIS  TRANSLATION  OF 
THE    ILIAD     OF    HOMER 

KOYAX,  HIGHNESS'S  GRACIOUS  PI 

v/rrn    profound    respect    and    dutiful,    attachment 
HUMBLY      DEDICATED. 


PREFACE. 


jS  In  the  spring  of  1862  I  was  induced,  at  the 
^  request  of  some  personal  friends,  to  print,  for 
private  circulation  only,  a  small  volume  of 
**  "Translations  of  Poems  Ancient  and  Modern," 
in  which  was  included  the  first  Book  of  the 
Iliad.  The  opinions  expressed  by  some  compe- 
tent judges  of  the  degree  of  success  which  had 
attended  this  "  attempt  to  infuse  into  an  almost 
literal  English  version  something  of  the  spirit, 
as  well  as  the  simplicity,  of  the  great  original,"* 
were  sufficiently  favourable  to  encourage  me  to 
continue  the  work  which  I  had  begun.  It  has 
afforded  me,  in  the  intervals  of  more  urgent 
business,  an  unfailing,  and  constantly  increasing 
source  of  interest  ;  and  it  is  not  without  a  feel- 
ing of  regret  at  the  completion  of  my  task,  and 


•  Introduction  to  unpublished  volume. 


vi  PEEFACE. 

a  sincere  diffidence  as  to  its  success,  that  I  ven- 
ture to  submit  the  result  of  ray  labour  to  the 
ordeal  of  public  criticism. 

Various  causes,  irrespective  of  any  demerits 
of  the  work  itself,  forbid  me  to  anticipate  for 
this  translation  any  extensive  popularity.  First, 
I  fear  that  the  taste  for,  and  appreciation  of, 
Classical  Literature,  arc  greatly  on  the  decline  ; 
next,  those  who  have  kept  up  their  classical 
studies,  and  are  able  to  read  and  enjoy  the 
original,  will  hardly  take  an  interest  in  a  mere 
translation  ;  while  the  English  reader,  unacquain- 
ted with  Greek,  will  naturally  prefer  the  harmoni- 
ous versification  and  polished  brilliancy  of  Pope's 
translation  ;  with  which,  as  a  happy  adaptation  of 
the  Homeric  story  to  the  spirit  of  English  poetry, 
I  have  not  the  presumption  to  enter  into  compe- 
tition. But,  admirable  as  it  is,  Pope's  Iliad  can 
hardly  be  said  to  bo  Homer's  Iliad  ;  and  there 
may  be  some  who,  having  lost  the  familiarity 
with    the    original   language    which    they   once 

sessed,  may,  if  I  have  at  all  succeeded  in  my 
attempt,  have  recalled  to  their  minds  a  faint 
<M.-ho  of  the  strains  which  delighted  their  earlier 


PREFACE.  vii 

days,   and  may  recognize  some  slight  trace  of 
the  original  perfume. 

Numerous  as  have  been  the  translators  of 
the  Iliad,  or  of  parts  of  it,  the  metres  which 
have  been  selected  have  been  almost  as  various : 
the  ordinary  couplet  in  rhyme,  the  Spenserian 
stanza,  the  Trochaic  or  Ballad  metre,  all  have 
had   their   partisans,    even   to   that     'pestilent 
heresy "  of  the  so-called  English  Hexameter  ;  a 
metre  wholly  repugnant  to  the  genius   of  our 
language;  which  can  only  be  pressed  into  the 
service  by  a  violation  of  every  rule  of  prosody  ; 
and  of  which,  notwithstanding  my  respect  for 
the  eminent  men  who  have  attempted  to  natu- 
ralize it,  I  could  never  read  ten  lines  without 
being  irresistibly  reminded  of  Canning's 

••Dactylics  call'st  thou  thorn?    God  help  thee,  silly  one!" 

But  in  the  progress  of  this  work, I  have  been 
more  and  more  confirmed  in  the  opinion  which 
I  expressed  at  its  commencement,  that  (what- 
ever may  be  the  extent  of  my  own  individual 
failure)   "if  justice  is  ever  to  be  done  to  the 


mi 


PREFACE 


easy  flow  and  majestic  simplicity  of  the  grand 
old  Poet,  it  can  only  be  in  the  Heroic  blank 
verse."  I  have  seen  isolated  passages  admirably 
rendered  in  other  metres ;  and  there  are  many 
instances  in  which  a  translation  line  for  line  and 
couplet  for  couplet  naturally  suggests  itself,  and 
in  which  it  is  sometimes  difficult  to  avoid  an 
involuntary  rhyme  ;  but  the  blank  verse  appears 
to  me  the  only  metre  capable  of  adapting  itself 
to  all  the  gradations,  if  I  may  use  the  term,  of 
the  Homeric  style  ;  from  the  finished  poetry  of 
the  numerous  similes,  in  which  every  touch  is 
nature,  and  nothing  is  overcoloured  or  exagger- 
ated, down  to  the  simple,  almost  homely,  style 
of  some  portions  of  the  narrative.  Least  of  all 
can  any  other  metre  do  full  justice  to  the  spirit 
and  freedom  of  the  various  speeches,  in  which  the 
old  warriors  give  utterance,  without  disguise  or 
restraint,  to  all  their  strong  and  genuine  emotions. 
To  subject  these  to  the  trammels  of  couplet  and 
rhyme  would  be  as  destructive  of  their  chief 
characteristics,  as  the  application  of  a  similar 
process  to  the  Paradise  Lost  of  Milton,  or  the 
tragedies  of  Shakespeare  ;  the  effect  indeed  may 


PKEFACE.  ix 

be  seen  by  comparing,  with  some  of  the  noblest 
speeches  of  the  latter,  the  few  couplets  which  he 
seems  to  have  considered  himself  bound  by  cus- 
tom to  tack  on  to  their  close,  at  the  end  of  a 
scene  or  an  act. 

I  have  adopted,  not  without  hesitation,  the 
Latin,  rather  than  the  Greek,  nomenclature  for 
the  Heathen  Deities.  I  have  been  induced  to 
do  so  from  the  manifest  incongruity  of  confound- 
ing the  two  ;  and  from  the  fact  that  though 
English  readers  may  be  familiar  with  the  names 
of  Zeus,  or  Aphrodite,  or  even  Poseidon,  those 
of  Hera,  or  Ares,  or  Hephaestus,  or  Leto,  would 
hardly  convey  to  them  a  definite  signification. 

It  has  been  my  aim  throughout  to  produce  a 
translation  and  not  a  paraphrase  ;  not  indeed 
such  a  translation  as  would  satisfy,  with  regard 
to  each  word,  the  rigid  requirements  of  accurate 
scholarship  ;  but  such  as  would  fairly  and  hon- 
estly give  the  sense  and  spirit  of  every  passage, 
and  of  every  line  ;  omitting  nothing,  and 
expanding  nothing  ;  and  adhering,  as  closely 
as  our  language  will  allow,  ever  to  every  epi- 
thet which  is  capable  of  being  translated,    and 


x  PKEFACE. 

which  has,  in  the  particular  passage,  anything 
of  a  special  and  distinctive  character.  Of  the 
id  any  deficiencies  in  my  execution  of  this  inten- 
tion, I  am  but  too  conscious  ;  whether  I  have 
been  in  any  degree  successful,  must  be  left  to 
the  impartial  decision  of  such  of  the  Public  as 
may  honour  this  work  with  their  perusal. 

D. 

Knowsley,  Oct.,  1864 


NOTE   TO   THE   FIFTH   EDITION". 


The  favourable  reception  which  has  been  given 
to  the  first  Editions  of  this  work,  far  exceeding 
my  most  sanguine  hopes,  affords  a  gratifying 
proof  how  far,  in  my  preface,  I  had  over- 
rated the  extent  to  which  the  taste  for,  and 
appreciation  of,  Classical  Literature  had 
declined.  It  will  not,  I  hope,  be  thought  extra- 
ordinary that  some  errors  and  inaccuracies 
should  have  found  their  way  into  a  translation 
executed,  I  must  admit,  somewhat  hastily,  and 
with  less  of  the  "  limgs  labor"  than  I  should 
have  bestowed  upon  it,  had  I  ventured  to  anti- 
cipate for  it  so  extensive  a  circulation.  My 
thanks,  therefore,  are  due  to  those  critics,  who, 
either  publicly  or  privately,  have  called  my 
attention  to  passages  in  which  the  sense  of  the 
Author   has   been  either  incorrectly  or  imper- 


xii    NOTE    TO     FIFTH    EDITION. 

fectly  rendered.  All  of  these  I  have  examined, 
and  have  availed  myself  of  several  of  the  sug- 
gestions offered  for  their  correction  ;  and  a  care- 
ful revision  of  the  whole  work,  and  renewed 
comparison  with  the  original,  have  enabled  me 
to  discover  other  defects,  the  removal  of  which 
will,  I  hope,  render  the  present  Edition,  especi- 
ally in  the  eyes  of  Classical  Scholars,  somewhat 
more  worthy   of  the   favour   which    has   been 

accorded  to  its  predecessors. 

D. 

St.  James's  Square,  JUay,  1865. 


LIST    OF    BOOKS, 

VOL.    I. 


PAGE 

BOOK~ir- .  1 

Book  II 37 

Book^». 87 

Book  IV 115 

Book  V. 147 

Book  VI 197 

Book  VII 227 

Book  YHfc            255 

Book  IX.    .  . 287 

Book  X 327 

Book  XI 359 

/Book  XIL .       .  .  407 


A  R  G  U  M  E  N  T  . 

THE   CONTENTION   OF   ACHILLES  AND   AGAMEMNON. 

[u  the  war  of  Troy,  the  Greeks  having  sacked  some  of  the  neigh, 
bouring  towns,  and  taken  from  thence  two  heautiful  captives, 
Chryseis  and  Briseis,  allotted  the  first  to  Agamemnon,  and  the  last 
to  Achilles.  Chryses,  the  father  of  Chryseis,  and  priest  of  Apollo, 
comes  to  the  Grecian  camp  to  ransom  her  ;  with  which  the  action 
of  the  poem  opens,  in  the  tenth  year  of  the  siege.  The  priest 
being  refused,  and  insolently  dismissed  by  Agamemnon,  entreats 
for  vengeance  from  his  god,  who  inflicts  a  pestilence  on  the 
Greeks.  Achilles  calls  a  council,  and  encourages  Calchas  to  declare 
the  cause  of  it,  who  attributes  it  to  the  refusal  of  Chryseis.  The 
King  being  obliged  to  send  back  his  captive,  enters  into  a  furious 
contest  with  Achilles,  which  Nestor  pacifies;  however,  as  he  had 
the  absolute  command  of  the  army,  he  seizes  on  Briseis  in  revenge. 
Achilles  in  discontent  withdraws  himself  and  his  forces  from  the 
iest  of  the  Greeks ;  and  complaining  to  Thetis,  she  supplicates 
Jupiter  to  render  them  sensible  of  the  wrong  done  to  her  son,  by 
giving  victory  to  tbe  Trojans.  Jupiter  granting  her  suit,  in- 
censes Juno,  between  whom  the  debate  runs  high,  till  they  are 
reconciled  by  the  address  of  Vulcan. 

The  time  of  two-and-twenty  days  is  taken  up  in  this  book  ;  nine  dur- 
ing the  plague,  one  in  the  council  and  quarrel  of  the  Princes,  and 
twelve  for  Jupiter's  stay  among  the  Ethiopians,  at  whose  return 
Thetis  prefers  her  petition,  The  scene  lies  in  the  Grecian  camp, 
then  changes  to  Chrysa,  and  lastly  to  Olympus. 


HOMER'S    ILIAD. 


BOOK    I. 

/"\F  Peleus'  son,  Achilles,  sing,  O  Muse, 

The  vengeance,  deep  and  deadly ;  whence  to  Greece 
Unnumbered  ills  arose ;  which  many  a  soul 
Of  mighty  warriors  to  the  viewless  shades 
Untimely  sent ;  they  on  the  battle  plain  5 

Unburied  lay,  a  prey  to  rav'ning  dogs, 
And  carrion  birds;  but  so  had  Jove  decreed, 
From  that  sad  day  when  first  in  wordy  war, 
The  mighty  Agamemnon,  King  of  men, 
Confronted  stood  by  Peleus'  godlike  son.  10 

Say  then,  what  God  the  fatal  strife  provok'd? 
Jove's  and  Latona's  son ;   he,  filled  with  wrath 
Against  the  King,  with  deadly  pestilence 
The  camp  afilicted, — and  the  people  died, — 
For  Chryses'  sake,  his  priest,  whom  Atreus'  son  15 


VOL.    I. 


2  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  I. 

With  scorn  dismiss'd,  when  to  the  Grecian  sliips 

He  came,  his  captive   daughter  to  redeem, 

With  costly  ransom  charg'd ;    and  in  his  hand 

The  sacred  fillet  of  his  God  he  bore, 

And  golden  staff.;   to  all  he  sued,  but  chief  20 

To  Atreus'  sons,  twin  captains  of  the  host : 

"  Ye  sons  of  Atreus,  and  ye  well-greav'd  Greeks, 

May  the  great  Gods,  who  on  Olympus  dwell, 

Grant  you  yon  hostile  city  to  destroy, 

And  home  return  in  safety;   but  my  child  25 

Restore,  I  pray ;  her  proffer'd  ransom  take, 

And  in  his  priest,  the  Lord  of  Light  revere.1' 

Then  through  the  ranks  assenting  murmurs  ran, 
The  priest  to  rev'rence,  and  the  ransom  take  : 
Not  so  Atrides;  he,  with  haughty  mien,  30 

And  bitter  speech,  the  trembling  sire  address'd  : 
"  Old  man,  I  warn  thee,  that  beside  our  ships 
I  find  thee  not,  or  ling'ring  now,  or  back 
Returning ;  lest  thou  prove  of  small  avail 
Thy  golden  staff,  and  fillet  of  thy  God.  35 

Her  I  release  not,  till  her  youth  be  fled ; 
Within  my  walls,  in  Argos,  far  from  home, 


BookI.  HOMEE'S    ILIAD,  3 

Her  lot  is  cast,  domestic  cares  to  ply, 

And  share  a  master's  bed.     For  thee,  begone  ! 

Incense  me  not,  lest  ill  betide  thee  now."  40 

He  said  :  the  old  man  trembled,  and  obeyed ; 
Beside  the  many-dashing  Ocean's  shore 
Silent  he  pass'd ;  and  all  apart,  he  pray'd 
To  great  Apollo,  fair  Latona's  son  : 
"  Hear  me,  God  of  the  silver  bow  !  whose  care         45 
Chrysa  surrounds,  and  Cilia's  lovely  vale  ; 
Whose  sov'reign  sway  o'er  Tenedos  extends  ; 

0  Smintheus,  hear  !  if  e'er  my  offered  gifts 
Found  favour  in  thy  sight ;  if  e'er  to  thee 

1  burn'd  the  fat  of  bulls  and  choicest  goats,  50 
Grant  me  this  boon — upon  the  Grecian  host 

Let  thine  unerring  darts  avenge  my  tears." 

Thus  as  he  pray'd,  his  pray'r  Apollo  heard  : 
Along  Olympus'  heights  he  pass'd,  his  heart 
.  Burning  with  wrath  ;  behind  his  shoulders  hung     55 
His  bow,  and  ample  quiver ;  at  his  back 
Rattled  the  fateful  arrows  as  he  mov'd  ; 
Like  the  night-cloud  he  pass'd,  and  from  afar 
He  bent  against  the  ships,  and  sped  the  bolt ; 


4  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  Book  L 

And  fierce  and  deadly  twang'd  the  silver  bow.         60 
First  on  the  mules  and  dogs,  on  man  the  last, 
"Was  pour'd  the  arrowy  storm  ;  and  through  the  camp, 
Constant  and  num'rous,  blaz'd  the  fun'ral  fires. 

Nine  days  the  heav'nly  Archer  on  the  troops 
Hurl'd  his  dread  shafts ;  the  tenth,  th'  assembled  Greeks 
Achilles  call'd  to  council ;  so  inspir'd  66 

By  Juno,  white-arm'd  Goddess,  who  beheld 
With  pitying  eyes  the  wasting  hosts  of  Greece. 
"When  all  were  met,  and  closely  throng'd  around, 
Rose  the  swift-footed  chief,  and  thus  began :  TO 

"  Great  son  of  Atreus,  to  my  mind  there  seems, 
If  we  would  'scape  from  death,  one  only  course, 
Home  to  retrace  our  steps :  since  here  at  once 
By  war  and  pestilence  our  forces  waste. 
But  seek  we  first  some  prophet,  or  some  priest,  75 
Or  some  wise  vision-seer  (since  visions  too 
From  Jove  proceed),  who  may  the  cause  explain, 
Which  with  such  deadly  wrath  Apollo  fires: 
If  for  neglected  hecatombs  or  pray'rs 
He  blame  us  ;  or  if  fat  of  lambs  and  goats  80 

May  soothe  his  anger  and  the  plague  assuage." 


Book!  HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  5 

This  said,  lie  sat ;  and  Thestor's  son  arose, 
Calchas,  the  chief  of  seers,  to  whom  were  kn:wn 
The  present,  and  the  future,  and  the  past ; 
"Who,  by  his  mystic  art,  Apollo's  gift,  85 

Guided  to  Ilium's  shore  the  Grecian  fleet. 
Who  thus  with  cautious  speech  replied,  and  said  ; 
"  Achilles,  lov'd  of  Heav'n,  thou  bidd'st  me  say 
Why  thus  incens'd  the  far-destroying  King ; 
Therefore  I  speak ;  but  promise  thou,  and  swear,  90 
By  word  and  hand,  to  bear  me  harmless  through. 
For  well  I  know  my  speech  must  one  offend, 
The  Argive  chief,  o'er  all  the  Greeks  supreme  ; 
And  terrible  to  men  of  low  estate 
The  anger  of  a  King ;  for  though  awhile  95 

He  veil  his  wrath,  yet  in  his  bosom  pent 
It  still  is  nurs'd,  until  the  time  arrive ; 
Say,  then,  wilt  thou  protect  me,  if  I  speak  ?" 

Him  answer'd  thus  Achilles,  swift  of  foot : 
"  Speak  boldly  out  whate'er  thine  art  can  tell ;  100 
For  by  Apollo's  self  I  swear,  whom  thou, 
O  Calchas,  serv'st,  and  who  thy  words  inspires, 
That,  while  I  live,  and  see  the  light  of  Heav'n, 


6  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  I. 

Not  one  of  all  the  Greeks  shall  dare  on  thee, 
Beside  our  ships,  injurious  hands  to  lay :  105 

No,  not  if  Agamemnon's  self  were  he, 
Who  'mid  our  warriors  boasts  the  foremost  place." 

Embolden'd  thus,  th'  unerring  prophet  spoke  : 
"  Not  for  neglected  hecatombs  or  pray'rs, 
But  for  his  priest,  whom  Agamemnon  scorn'd,    110 
Nor  took  his  ransom,  nor  his  child  restor'd; 
On  his  account  the  Far-destroyer  sends 
This  scourge  of  pestilence,  and  yet  will  send  ; 
Nor  shall  we  cease  his  heavy  hand  to  feel, 
Till  to  her  sire  we  give  the  bright-ey'd  girl,  115 

Unbought,  unransom'd,  and  to  Chrysa's  shore 
A  solemn  hecatomb  despatch  ;  this  done, 
The  God,  appeas'd,  his  anger  may  remit." 

This  said,  he  sat ;  and  Atreus'  godlike  son, 
The  mighty  monarch,  Agamemnon,  rose,  120 

His  dark  soul  fill'd  with  fury,  and  his  eyes 
Flashing  like  flames  of  fire ;  on  Calchas  first 
A  withering  glance  he  cast,  and  thus  he  spoke  ; 

"  Prophet  of  ill !  thou  never  speak'st  to  me 
But  words  of  evil  omen  ;  for  thy  soul  125 


BookI.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  7 

Delights  to  augur  ill,  but  aught  of  good 
Thou  never  yet  hast  promis'd,  nor  perforin'd. 
And  now  among  the  Greeks  thou  spread'st  abroad 
Thy  lying  prophecies,  that  all  these  ills 
Come  from  the  Far-destroyer,  for  that  I  130 

Refus'd  the  ransom  of  my  lovely  prize, 
And  that  I  rather  chose  herself  to  keep, 
To  me  not  less  than  Clytemnestra  dear, 
My  virgin- wedded  wife  ;  nor  less  adorn'd 
In  gifts  of  form,  of  feature,  or  of  mind.  135 

Yet,  if  it  must  be  so,  I  give  her  back ; 
I  wish  my  people's  safety,  not  their  death. 
But  seek  me  out  forthwith  some  other  spoil, 
Lest  empty-handed  I  alone  appear 
Of  all  the  Greeks  ;  for  this  would  ill  beseem ;         140 
And  how  I  lose  my  present  share,  ye  see." 
To  whom  Achilles,  swift  of  foot,  replied : 
"  Haughtiest  of  men,  and  greediest  of  the  prey  ! 
How  shall  our  valiant  Greeks  for  thee  seek  out 
Some  other  spoil  ?  no  common  fund  have  we  145 

Of  hoarded  treasures ;  what  our  arms  have  won 
From  captur'd  towns,  has  been  already  shar'd, 


8  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  L 

Nor  can  we  now  resume  th'  apportion'd  spoil. 

Restore  the  maid,  obedient  to  the  God  ! 

And  if  Heav'n  will  that  we  the  strong-built  walls  150 

Of  Troy  should  raze,  our  warriors  will  to  thee 

A  threefold,  fourfold  recompense  assign." 

To  whom  the  monarch  Agamemnon  thus  : 
"  Think  not,  Achilles,  valiant  though  thou  art 
In  fight,  and  godlike,  to  defraud  me  thus  ;  155 

Thou  shalt  not  so  persuade  me,  nor  o'erreach. 
Think'st  thou  to  keep  thy  portion  of  the  spoil, 
"While  I  with  empty  hands  sit  humbly  down  ? 
The  bright-ey'd  girl  thou  bidd'st  me  to  restore  ; 
If  then  the  valiant  Greeks  for  me  seek  out  160 

Some  other  spoil,  some  compensation  just, 
'Tis  well :  if  not,  I  with  my  own  right  hand 
Will  from  some  other  chief,  from  thee  perchance, 
Or  Ajax,  or  Ulysses,  wrest  his  prey ; 
And  woe  to  him,  on  whomsoe'er  I  call !  165 

But  this  for  future  counsel  we  remit : 
Haste  we  then  now  our  dark-ribb'd  bark  to  launch, 
Muster  a  fitting  crew,  and  place  on  board 
The  sacred  hecatomb ;  then  last  embark 


Book  I.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  9 

The  fair  Ckryseis  ;  and  in  chief  command  170 

Let  some  one  of  our  councillors  be  plac'd, 

Ajax,  Ulysses,  or  Idomeneus, 

Or  thou,  the  most  ambitious  of  them  all, 

That  so  our  rites  may  soothe  the  angry  God." 

To  whom  Achilles  .thus  with  scornful  glance  ;     175 
"  Oh,  cloth'd  in  shamelessness  !  oh,  sordid  soul! 
How  canst  thou  hope  that  any  Greek  for  thee 
Will  brave  the  toils  of  travel  or  of  war  ? 
Well  dost  thou  know  that 't  was  no  feud  of  mine 
With  Troy's  brave  sons  that  brought  me  here  in  arms ; 
They  never  did  me  wrong  ;  they  never  drove  181 

My  cattle,  or  my  horses  ;  never  sought 
In  Phthia's  fertile,  life-sustaining  fields 
To  waste  the  crops  ;  for  wide  between  us  lay 
The  shadowy  mountains  and  the  roaring  sea.  185 

With  thee,  O  void  of  shame  !  with  thee  we  sail'd, 
For  Menelaus  and  for  thee,  ingrate, 
Glory  and  fame  on  Trojan  crests  to  win. 
All  this  hast  thou  forgotten,  or  despis'd ; 
And  threat'nest  now  to  wrest  from  me  the  prize     190 
I  labour'd  hard  to  win,  and  Greeks  bestow'd. 


10  HOMEE'S      ILIAD.  Book  I 

Nor  does  uiy  portion  ever  equal  thine, 

"When  on  some  populous  town  our  troops  have  made 

Successful  war  ;  in  the  contentious  fight 

The  larger  portion  of  the  toil  is  mine  ;  195 

But  when  the  day  of  distribution  comes, 

Thine  is  the  richest  spoil ;  while  I,  forsooth, 

Must  be  too  well  content  to  bear  on  board 

Some  paltry  prize  for  all  my  warlike  toil. 

To  Phthia  now  I  go  ;  so  better  far,  200 

To  steer  my  homeward  course,  and  leave  thee  here 

But  little  like,  I  deem,  dishonouring  me, 

To  fill  thy  coffers  with  the  spoils  of  war." 

Whom  answer'd  Agamemnon,  King  of  men  : 
"  Fly  then,  if  such  thy  mind  !  I  ask  thee  not  205 

On  mine  account  to  stay ;  others  there  are 
Will  guard  my  honour  and  avenge  my  cause  : 
And  chief  of  all,  the  Lord  of  counsel,  Jove  ! 
Of  all  the  Heav'n-born  Kings,  thou  art  the  man 
I  hate  the  most ;  for  thou  delight'st  in  nought        210 
But  war  and  strife  :  thy  prowess  I  allow ; 
Yet  this,  remember,  is  the  gift  of  Heav'n. 
Return  then,  with  thy  vessels,  if  thou  wilt, 


Book  I.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  H 

And  with  thy  followers,  home ;  and  lord  it  there 

Over  thy  Myrmidons  !  I  heed  thee  not !  215 

I  care  not  for  thy  fury  !     Hear  my  threat : 

Since  Phoebus  wrests  Chryseis  from  my  arms, 

In  mine  own  ship,  and  with  mine  own  good  crew, 

Her  I  send  forth  ;  and,  in  her  stead,  I  mean, 

Ev'n  from  thy  tent,  myself,  to  bear  thy  prize,         220 

The  fair  Briseis ;  that  henceforth  thou  know 

How  far  I  am  thy  master  ;  and  that,  taught 

By  thine  example,  others  too  may  fear 

To  rival  me,  and  brave  me  to  my  face." 

Thus  while  he  spake,  Achilles  chaf 'd  with  rage ;  225 
And  in  his  manly  breast  his  heart  was  torn 
"With  thoughts  conflicting — whether  from  his  side 
To  draw  his  mighty  sword,  and  thrusting  by 
Th'  assembled  throng,  to  kill  th'  insulting  King ; 
Or  school  his  soul,  and  keep  his  anger  down.  230 

But  while  in  mind  and  spirit  thus  he  mus'd, 
And  half  unsheath'd  his  sword,  from  Heav'n  came  down 
Minerva,  sent  by  Juno,  white-arm'd  Queen, 
WTiose  love  and  care  both  chiefs  alike  enjoy'd. 
She  stood  behind,  and  by  the  yellow  hair  235 


12  HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  Book  I. 

She  held  the  son  of  Peleus,  visible 
To  him  alone,  by  all  the  rest  unseen. 
Achilles,  wond'ring,  turn'd,  and  straight  he  knew 
The  blue-eyed  Pallas  ;  awful  was  her  glance ; 
Whom  thus  the  chief  with  winged  words  address'd  : 

"  Why  com'st  thou,  child  of  segis-bearing  Jove  ?  241 
To  see  the  arrogance  of  Atreus'  son  ? 
But  this  I  say,  and  will  make  good  my  words, 
This  insolence  may  cost  him  soon  his  life." 

To  whom  the  blue-ey'd  Goddess  thus  replied  :    245 
"  From  Heav'n  I  came,  to  curb,  if  thou  wilt  hear, 
Thy  fury  ;  sent  by  Juno,  white-arm'd  Queen, 
Whose  love  and  care  ye  both  alike  enjoy. 
Cease,then, these  broils,  and  draw  not  thus  thy  sword; 
In  words,  indeed,  assail  him  as  thou  wilt.  250 

But  this  I  promise,  and  will  make  it  good, 
The  time  shall  come,  when  for  this  insolence 
A  threefold  compensation  shall  be  thine ; 
Only  be  sway'd  by  me,  and  curb  thy  wrath." 

Whom  answer'd  thus  Achilles,  swift  of  foot :       255 
"  Goddess,  I  needs  must  yield  to  your  commands, 
Indignant  though  I  be — for  so  'tis  best ; 


Book!  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  13 

Who  hears  the  Gods,  of  them  his  pray'rs  are  heard." 

He  said :  and  on  the  silver  hilt  he  stay'd 
His  pow'rful  hand,  and  flung  his  mighty  sword      260 
Back  to  its  scabbard,  to  Minerva's  word 
Obedient :  she  her  heav'nward  course  pursued 
To  join  th'  Immortals  in  th'  abode  of  Jove. 
But  Peleus'  son,  with  undiminish'd  wrath, 
Atrides  thus  with  bitter  words  address'd  :  265 

"  Thou  sot,  with  eye  of  dog,  and  heart  of  deer ! 
Who  never  dar'st  to  lead  in  armed  fight 
Th'  assembled  host,  nor  with  a  chosen  few 
To  man  the  secret  ambush — for  thou  fear'st 
To  look  on  death — no  doubt  'tis  easier  far,  270 

Girt  with  thy  troops,  to  plunder  of  his  right 
Whoe'er  may  venture  to  oppose  thy  will ! 
A  tyrant  Xing,  because  thou  rul'st  o'er  slaves ! 
Were  it  not  so,  this  insult  were  thy  last. 
But  this  I  say,  and  with  an  oath  confirm,  275 

By  this  my  royal  staff,  which  never  more 
Shall  put  forth  leaf  nor  spray,  since  first  it  left 
Upon  the  mountain-side  its  parent  stem, 
Nor  blossom  more  ;  since  all  around  the  axe 


14  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  L 

Hatli  lopp'd  both  leaf  and  bark,  and  now  'tis  borne  280 

Emblem  of  justice,  by  the  sons  of  Greece, 

Who  guard  the  sacred  ministry  of  law 

Before  the  face  of  Jove  !  a  mighty  oath  ! 

The  time  shall  come,  when  all  the  sons  of  Greece 

Shall  mourn  Achilles'  loss ;  and  thou  the  while,      285 

Heart-rent,  shalt  be  all-impotent  to  aid, 

When  by  the  warrior-slayer  Hector's  hand 

Many  shall  fall ;  and  then  thy  soul  shall  mourn 

The  slight  on  Grecia's  bravest  warrior  cast." 

Thus  spoke  Pelides  ;  and  upon  the  ground  290 

He  cast  his  staff,  with  golden  studs  emboss'd, 
And  took  his  seat ;  on  th'  other  side,  in  wrath, 
Atrides  burn'd  ;  but  Nestor  interpos'd  ; 
Nestor,  the  leader  of  the  Pylian  host, 
The  smooth-tongued  chief,  from  whose  persuasive  lips 
Sweeter  than  honey  flowed  the  stream  of  speech.      296 
Two  generations  of  the  sons  of  men 
For  him  were  past  and  gone,  who  with  himself 
Were  born  and  bred  on-Pylos'  lovely  shore, 
And  o'er  the  third  he  now  held  royal  sway.  300 

He  thus  with  prudent  words  the  chiefs  address'd : 


BookI.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  15 

"  Alas,  alas  !  what  grief  is  this  for  Greece  ! 
What  joy  for  Priam,  and  for  Priam's  sons ! 
"What  exultation  for  the  men  of  Troy, 
To  hear  of  feuds  'tween  you,  of  all  the  Greeks        305 
The  first  in  council,  and  the  first  in  fight ! 
Yet,  hear  my  words,  I  pray  ;  in  years,  at  least, 
Ye  both  must  yield  to  me  ;  and  in  times  past 
I  liv'd  with  men,  and  they  despis'd  me  not, 
Abler  in  counsel,  greater  than  yourselves.  310 

Such  men  I  never  saw,  and  ne'er  shall  see, 
As  Pirithous  and  Dryas,  wise  and  brave, 
Cceneus,  Exadius,  godlike  Polypheme, 
And  Theseus,  ^Egeus'  more  than  mortal  son. 
The  mightiest  they  among  the  sons  of  men  ;  315 

The  mightiest  they,  and  of  the  forest  beasts 
Strove  with  the  mightiest,  and  their  rage  subdued. 
With  them  from  distant  lands,  from  Pylos'  shore 
I  join'd  my  forces,  and  their  call  obey'd  ; 
With  them  I  play'd  my  part ;  with  them,  not  one  320 
Would  dare  to  fight  of  mortals  now  on  earth. 
Yet  they  my  counsels  heard,  my  voice  obey'd  ; 
And  hear  ye  also,  for  my  words  are  wise. 


16  HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  Book! 

Nor  tliou,  though  great  thon  be,  attempt  to  rob 

Achilles  of  bis  prize,  but  let  bim  keep  325 

The  spoil  assign'd  bim  by  tbe  sons  of  Greece  ; 

ISTor  thou,  Pelides,  with  the  monarch  strive 

In  rivalry  ;  for  ne'er  to  sceptred  King 

Hath  Jove  such  pow'rs,  as  to  Atrides,  giv'n  ; 

And  valiant  though  thou  art,  and  Goddess-born,    330 

Yet  mightier  he,  for  wider  is  his  sway. 

Atrides,  curb  thy  wrath  !  while  I  beseech 

Achilles  to  forbear  ;  in  whom  the  Greeks 

From  adverse  war  their  great  defender  see." 

To  whom  the  monarch,  Agamemnon,  thus  :        335 
"  O  father,  full  of  wisdom  are  thy  words  ; 
But  this  proud  chief  o'er  all  would  domineer  ; 
O'er  all  he  seeks  to  rule,  o'er  all  to  reign, 
To  all  to  dictate  ;  which  I  will  not  bear. 
Grant  that  the  Gods  have  giv'n  him  warlike  might,  340 
Gave  they  unbridled  license  to  his  tongue  ?  " 

To  whom  Achilles,  interrupting,  thus  : 
"  Coward  and  slave  indeed  I  might  be  deem'd, 
Could  I  submit  to  make  thy  word  my  law  ; 
To  others  thy  commands  ;  seek  not  to  me  345 


Book!  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  17 

To  dictate,  for  I  follow  thee  no  more. 
But  hear  nie  speak,  and  ponder  what  I  say  : 
For  the  fair  girl  I  fight  not  (since  you  choose 
To  take  away  the  prize  yourselves  bestow'd) 
"With  thee  or  any  one  ;  but  of  the  rest  350 

My  dark  swift  ship  contains,  against  my  will 
On  nought  shalt  thou,  unpuriish'd,  lay  thy  hand. 
Make  trial  if  thou  wilt,  that  these  may  know  ; 
.  Thy  life-blood  soon  should  reek  upon  my  spear." 

After  this  conflict  keen  of  angry  speech,  355 

The  chiefs  arose,  the  assembly  was  dispers'd. 

"With  his  own  followers,  and  Mencetius'  son, 
Achilles  to  his  tents  and  ships  withdrew. 
But  Atreus'  son  launch'd  a  swift-sailing  bark, 
With  twenty  rowers  mann'd,  and  plac'd  on  board   360 
The  sacred  hecatomb  ;  then  last  embark'd 
The  fair  Chryseis,  and  in  chief  command 
<    Laertes'  son,  the  sage  Ulysses,  plac'd. 
They  swiftly  sped  along  the  wat'ry  way. 

Next,  proclamation  through  the  camp  was  made  365 

To  purify  the  host ;  and  in  the  sea, 

Obedient  to  the  word,  they  purified  ; 

vol.  i.  c 


18  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book! 

Then  to  Apollo  solemn  rites  perforni'd 

With,  faultless  hecatombs  of  bulls  and  goats, 

Upon  the  margin  of  the  wat'ry  waste  ;  370 

And,  wreath'd  in  smoke,  the  savour  rose  to  Heav'n. 

The  camp  thus  occupied,  the  King  pursued 
His  threaten'd  plan  of  vengeance  ;  to  his  side 
Calling  Talthybius  and  Eurybates, 
Heralds,  and  faithful  followers,  thus  he  spoke  :       375 

"  Haste  to  Achilles'  tent,  and  in  your  hand 
Back  with  you  thence  the  fair  Briseis  bring  : 
If  he  refuse  to  send  her,  I  myself 
With  a  sufficient  force  will  bear  her  thence, 
Which  he  may  find,  perchance,  the  worse  for  him."  380 

So  spake  the  monarch,  and  with  stern  command 
Dismiss'd  them  ;  with  reluctant  steps  they  pass'd 
Along  the  margin  of  the  wat'ry  waste, 
Till  to  the  tents  and  ships  they  came,  where  lay 
The  warlike  Myrmidons.     Their  chief  they  found  385 
Sitting  beside  his  tent  and  dark-ribb'd  ship. 
Achilles  mark'd  their  coming,  not  well  pleas'd  : 
With  troubled  mien,  and  awe-struck  by  the  King, 
They  stood,  nor  dar'd  accost  him ;  but  himself 


Book!  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  19 

Divin'd  their  errand,  and  address'd  them  thus  :      390 

"  Welcome,  ye  messengers  of  Gods  and  men, 
Heralds  !  approach  in  safety  ;  not  with  yon, 
But  with  Atrides,  is  my  just  offence, 
"Who  for  the  fair  Briseis  sends  you  here. 
Go,  then,  Patroclus,  bring  the  maiden  forth,  395 

And  give  her  to  their  hands  ;  but  witness  ye, 
Before  the  blessed  Gods  and  mortal  men, 
And  to  the  face  of  that  injurious  King, 
When  he  shall  need  my  arm,  from  shameful  rout 
To  save  his  followers  ;  blinded  by  his  rage,  400 

He  neither  heeds  experience  of  the  past 
Nor  scans  the  future,  provident  how  best 
To  guard  his  fleet  and  army  from  the  foe." 

He  spoke  :  obedient  to  his  friend  and  chief, 
Patroclus  led  the  fair  Briseis  forth,  405 

And  gave  her  to  their  hands  ;  they  to  the  ships 
Retrac'd  their  steps,  and  with  them  the  fair  girl 
Reluctant  went :  meanwhile  Achilles,  plung'd 
In  bitter  grief,  from  all  the  band  apart, 
Upon  the  margin  of  the  hoary  sea  410 

Sat  idly  gazing  on  the  dark-blue  waves; 


20  HOMER'S    ILIAD  Book  I. 

And  to  his  Goddess-mother  long  he  pray'd, 

"With  outstretch'd  hands,  "  Oh,  mother  !  since  thy  son 

To  early  death  by  destiny  is  doom'd, 

I  might  have  hop'd  the  Thunderer  on  high,       415 

Olympian  Jove,  with  honour  would  have  crown'd 

My  little  space ;  but  now  disgrace  is  mine ; 

Since  Agamemnon,  the  wide-ruling  King, 

Hath  wrested  from  me,  and  still  holds,  my  prize." 

"Weeping,  he  spoke ;  his  Goddess-mother  heard,  420 
Beside  her  aged  father    where  she  sat 
In  the  deep  ocean-caves :  ascending  quick 
Through  the  dark  waves,  like  to  a  misty  cloud, 
Beside  her  son  she  stood ;  and  as  he  wept, 
She  gently  touch'd  him  with  her  hand,  and  said,   425 
"  Why  weeps  my  son  ?  and  whence  his  cause  of  grief? 
Speak  out,  that  I  may  hear,  and  share  thy  pain." 

To  whom  Achilles,  swift  of  foot,  replied, 
Groaning,  "  Thou  know'st ;  what  boots  to  tell  thee  all  \ 
On  Thebes  we  march'd,  Eetion's  sacred  town,         430 
And  storm'd  the  walls,  and  hither  bore  the  spoil. 
The  spoils  were  fairly  by  the  sons  of  Greece 
Apportion'd  out ;  and  to  Atrides'  share 


BookI.  nOMEK'S     ILIAD.  21 

The  beauteous  daughter  of  old  Chryses  fell. 

Chryses,  Apollo's  priest,  to  free  his  child,  435 

Came  to  th'  encampment  of  the  brass-clad  Greeks, 

"With  costly  ransom  charg'd ;  and  in  his  hand 

The  sacred  fillet  of  his  God  he  bore, 

And  golden  staff;  to  all  he  sued,  but  chief 

To  Atreus'  sons,  twin  captains  of  the  host.  440 

Then  through  the  ranks  assenting  murmurs  ran, 

The  priest  to  rev'rence,  and  the  ransom  take  : 

Hot  so  Atrides  ;  he,  with  haughty  mien 

And  bitter  words,  the  trembling  sire  dismiss'd. 

The  old  man  turn'd  in  sorrow  ;  but  his  pray'r         445 

Phoebus  Apollo  heard,  who  lov'd  him  well. 

Against  the  Greeks  he  bent  his  fatal  bow, 

And  fast  the  people  fell ;  on  ev'ry  side 

Throughout  the  camp  the  heav'nly  arrows  flew  ; 

A  skilful  seer  at  length  the  cause  reveal'd  450 

Why  thus  incens'd  the  Archer-God  ;  I  then, 

The  first,  gave  counsel  to  appease  his  wrath. 

Whereat  Atrides,  full  of  fury,  rose, 

And  utter'd  threats,  which  he  hath  now  fulfill'd. 

For  Chryses'  daughter  to  her  native  land  455 


22  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  I. 

In  a  swift-sailing  ship  the  keen-ey'd  Greeks 

Have  sent,  with  costly  off  rings  to  the  God : 

But  her,  assign'd  me  by  the  sons  of  Greece, 

Brises'  fair  daughter,  from  my  tent  e'en  now 

The  heralds  bear  away.     Then,  Goddess,  thou,      460 

If  thou  hast  pow'r,  protect  thine  injur'd  son. 

Fly  to  Olympus,  to  the  feet  of  Jove, 

And  make  thy  pray'r  to  him,  if  on  his  heart 

Thou  hast  in  truth,  by  word  or  deed,  a  claim. 

For  I  remember,  in  my  father's  house,  465 

I  oft  have  heard  thee  boast,  how  thou,  alone 

Of  all  th'  Immortals,  Saturn's  cloud-girt  son 

Didst  shield  from  foul  disgrace,  when  all  the  rest, 

Juno,  and  Neptune,  and  Minerva  join'd, 

"With  chains  to  bind  him  ;  then,  O  Goddess,  thou  470 

Didst  set  him  free,  invoking  to  his  aid  . 

Him  of  the  hundred  arms,  whom  Briareus 

Th'  immortal  Gods,  and  men  iEgeon  call. 

He,  mightier  than  his  father,  took  his  seat 

By  Saturn's  side,  in  pride  of  conscious  strength  :    475 

Fear  seiz'd  on  all  the  Gods,  nor  did  they  dare 

To  bind  their  King  :  of  this  remind  him  now, 


Book  I.  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  23 

And  clasp  his  knees,  and  supplicate  Iris  aid 

For  Troy's  brave  warriors,  that  the  routed  Greeks 

Back  to  their  ships  with  slaughter  may  be  driv'n  ;  480 

That  all  may  taste  the  folly  of  their  King, 

And  Agamemnon's  haughty  self  may  mourn 

The  slight  on  Grecia's  bravest  warrior  cast." 

Thus  he  ;  and  Thetis,  weeping,  thus  replied : 
"  Alas,  my  child,  that  e'er  I  gave  thee  birth  !         485 
Would  that  beside  thy  ships  thou  could'st  remain 
From  grief  exempt,  and  insult !  since  by  fate 
Few  years  are  thine,  and  not  a  lengthened  term ; 
At  once  to  early  death  and  sorrows  doom'd 
Beyond  the  lot  of  man  !  in  evil  hour  490 

I  gave  thee  birth  !     But  to  the  snow-clad  heights 
Of  great  Olympus,  to  the  throne  of  Jove, 
Who  wields  the  thunder,  thy  complaints  I  bear. 
Thou  by  thy  ships,  meanwhile,  against  the  Greeks 
Thine  anger  nurse,  and  from  the  fight  abstain.        495 
For  Jove  is  to  a  solemn  banquet  gone 
Beyond  the  sea,  on  ^Ethiopia's  shore, 
Since  yesternight ;  and  with  him  all  the  Gods. 
On  the  twelfth  clay  he  purpos'd  to  return 


24  HOMEB'S     ILIAD.  Book  1 

To  high  Olympus  ;  thither  then  will  I,  500 

And  to  his  feet  my  supplication  make  ; 
And  he,  I  think,  will  not  deny  my  suit." 

This  said,  she  disappear'd  ;  and  left  him  there 
Musing  in  anger  on  the  lovely  form 
Torn  from  his  arms  by  violence  away.  505 

Meantime,  Ulysses,  with  his  sacred  freight, 
Arriv'd  at  Chrysa's  strand  ;  and  when  his  bark 
Had  reach'd  the  shelter  of  the  deep  sea  bay, 
Their  sails  they  furl'd,  and  lower'd  to  the  hold  ; 
Slack'd  the  retaining  shrouds,  and  quickly  struck  510 
And  stow'd  away  the  mast ;  then  with  their  sweeps 
Pull'd  for  the  beach,  and  cast  their  anchors  out, 
And  made  her  fast  with  cables  to  the  shore. 
Then  on'  the  shingly  breakwater  themselves 
They  landed,  and  the  sacred  hecatomb  515 

To  great  Apollo ;  and  Chryseis  last. 
Her  to  the  altar  straight  Ulysses  led, 
The  wise  in  counsel ;  in  her  father's  hand 
He  plac'd  the  maiden,  and  address'd  him  thus  : 
"  Chryses,  from  Agamemnon,  King  of  men,  52C 

To  thee  I  come,  thy  daughter  to  restore  ; 


Book  I.  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  25 

And  to  thy  God,  upon  the  Greeks'  behalf, 

To  offer  sacrifice,  if  haply  so 

We  may  appease  his  wrath,  who  now  incens'd 

With  grievous  suff'ring  visits  all  our  host."  "     525 

Then  to  her  sire  he  gave  her ;  he  with  joy 

Beceiv'd  his  child  ;  the  sacred  hecatomb 

Around  the  well-built  altar  for  the  God 

In  order  due  they  plac'd  ;  their  hands  then  washed, 

And  the  salt  cake  prepar'd,  before  them  all  530 

With  hands  uplifted  Chryses  pray'd  aloud  : 

"  Hear  me,  God  of  the  silver  bow  !  whose  care 
Chrysa  surrounds,  and  Cilia's  lovely  vale, 
Whose  sov'reign  sway  o'er  Tenedos  extends  ! 
Once  hast  thou  heard  my  pray'r,  aveng'd  my  cause,  535 
And  pour'd  thy  fury  on  the  Grecian  host. 
Hear  yet  again,  and  grant  what  now  I  ask  ; 
Withdraw  thy  chast'ning  hand,  and  stay  the  plague." 

Thus,  as  he  pray'd,  his  pray'r  Apollo  heard. 
Their  pray'rs  concluded,  and  the  salt  cake  strew'd  540 
Upon  the  victims'  heads,  they  drew  them  back, 
And  slew,  and  flay'd  ;  then  cutting  from  the  thighs 
The  choicest  pieces,  and  in  double  layers 


26  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  Book  I 

O'erspreading  tliem  with  fat,  above  them  plac'd 

The  due  meat-offrings  ;  then  the  aged  priest  545 

The  cleft  wood  kindled,  and  libations  pour'd 

Of  ruddy  wine  ;  arm'd  with  the  five-fork'd  prongs 

Th'  attendant  ministers  beside  him  stood. 

The  thighs  consum'd  with  fire,  the  inward  parts 

They  tasted  first ;  the  rest  upon  the  spits  550 

Roasted  with  care,  and  from  the  fire  withdrew. 

Their  labours  ended,  and  the  feast  prepar'd, 

They  shared  the  social  meal,  nor  lacked  there  aught. 

The  rage  of  thirst  and  hunger  satisfied, 

Th'  attendant  youths  the  flowing  goblets  crown'd,  555 

And  in  fit  order  serv'd  the  cups  to  all. 

All  day  they  sought  the  favour  of  the  God, 

The  glorious  pceans  chanting,  and  the  praise 

Of  Phcebus  :  he,  well  pleas'd,  the  strain  receiv'd 

But  when  the  sun  was  set,  and  shades  of  night      560 

O'erspread  the  sky,  upon  the  sandy  beach 

Close  to  their  ship  they  laid  them  down  to  rest. 

And  when  the  rosy-finger'd  morn  appear'd, 

Back  to  the  camp  they  took  their  homeward  way 

A.  fav'ring  breeze  the  Far-destroyer  sent :  565 


Book!  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  27 

They  stepp'd  the  mast,  and  spread  the  snowy  sail : 
Full  in  the  midst  the  bellying  sail  receiv'd 
The  gallant  breeze  ;  and  round  the  vessel's  prow 
The  dark  waves  loudly  roar'd,  as  on  she  rush'd 
Skimming  the  seas,  and  cut  her  wat'ry  way.  570 

Arriv'd  where  lay  the  wide-spread  host  of  Greece, 
Their  dark-ribb'd  vessel  on  the  beach  they  drew 
High  on  the  sand,  and  strongly  shor'd  her  up  ; 
Then  through  the  camp  they  took  their  sev'ral  ways. 
Meantime,  beside  the  ships  Achilles  sat,  575 

The  Heav'n-born  son  of  Peleus,  swift  of  foot, 
Chafing  with  rage  repress' d ;  no  more  he  sought 
The  honour'd  council,  nor  the  battle-field  ; 
But  wore  his  soul  away,  and  inly  pin'd 
For  the  fierce  joy  and  tumult  of  the  fight.  580 

But  when  the  twelfth  revolving  day  was  come, 
Back  to  Olympus'  heights  th'  immortal  Gods, 
Jove  at  their  head,  together  all  return'd. 
Then  Thetis,  mindful  of  her  son's  request, 
Rose  from  the  ocean  wave,  and  sped  in  haste  585 

To  high  Olympus,  and  the  courts  of  Heav'n. 
/  Th'  all-seeing  son  of  Saturn  there  she  found 


28  HOIEE'S     ILIAD.  Book  L 

Sitting  apart  upon  the  topmost  crest 

Of  many-ridg'd  Olympus  ;  at  his  feet 

She  sat,  and  while  her  left  hand  clasp'd  his  knees,  590 

Her  right  approached  his  beard,  and  suppliant  thus 

She  made  her  pray'r  to  Saturn's  royal  son  : 

"  Father,  if  e'er  amid  th'  immortal  Gods 
By  word  or  deed  I  did  thee  service  true, 
Hear  now  my  pray'r  !   Avenge  my  hapless  son,      595 
Of  mortals  shortest-liv'd,  insulted  now 
By  mighty  Agamemnon,  King  of  men, 
And  plunder'd  of  his  lawful  spoils  of  war. 
But  Jove,  Olympian,  Lord  of  counsel,  Thou 
Avenge  his  cause  ;  and  give  to  Trojan  arms  GOO 

Such  strength  and  pow'r,  that  Greeks  may  learn  how 

much 
They  need  my  son,  and  give  him  honour  due." 

She  said  :  the  Cloud-compeller  answer'd  not, 
But  silent  sat ;  then  Thetis  clasp'd  his  knees, 
Ajid  hung  about  him,  and  her  suit  renew' d  :  005 

"  Give  me  thy  promise  sure,  thy  gracious  nod, 
Or  else  refuse  (for  thou  hast  none  to  fear), 
That  I  may  learn,  of  all  th'  immortal  Gods, 


Book  I.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  29 

How  far  I  stand  the  lowest  in  thine  eyes." 

Then,  much  disturb'd,  the  Cloud-conipeller  spoke  : 
"  Sad  work  thou  mak'st,  in  bidding  me  oppose       611 
My  will  to  Juno's,  when  her  bitter  words 
Assail  me  ;  for  full  oft  amid  the  Gods 
She  taunts  me,  that  I  aid  the  Trojan  cause. 
But  thou  return,  that  Juno  see  thee  not,  615 

And  leave  to  me  the  furth'rance  of  thy  suit. 
Lo,  to  confirm  thy  faith,  I  nod  my  head ; 
And  well  among  th'  immortal  Gods  is  known 
The  solemn  import  of  that  pledge  from  me  : 
For  ne'er  my  promise  shall  deceive,  or  fail,  620 

Or  be  recall'd,  if  with  a  nod  confirm'd." 

He  saidj  and  nodded  with  his  shadowy  brows  ; 
"Wav'd  on  th'  immortal  head  th'  ambrosial  locks, 
And  all  Olympus  trembled  at  his  nod. 
They  parted  thus  :  from  bright  Olympus'  heights  625 
The  Goddess  hasted  to  her  ocean-caves, 
Jove  to  his  palace  ;  at  his  entrance  all 
Rose  from  their  seats  at  once  ;  not  one  presum'd 
To  wait  his  coming,  but  advanc'd  to  meet. 
Then  on  his  throne  he  sat ;  but  not  unmark'd        630 


30  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  Book  I. 

Of  Juno's  eye  had  been  the  conncil  held 

In  secret  with  the  silver-footed  Queen, 

The  daughter  of  the  aged  Ocean-God  ; 

And  with  sharp  words  she  thus  addressed  her  Lord  : 

"  Tell  me,  deceiver,  who  was  she  with  whom     635 
Thou  late  held'st  council  ?  ever  'tis  thy  way 
Apart  from  me  to  weave  thy  secret  schemes, 
Nor  dost  thou  freely  share  with  me  thy  mind." 

To  whom  the  Sire  of  Gods  and  men  replied  : 
"  Expect  not,  Juno,  all  my  mind  to  know  ;  G-iO 

My  wife  thou  art,  yet  would  such  knowledge  be 
Too  much  for  thee  ;  whate'er  I  deem  it  fit 
That  thou  shouldst  know,  nor  God  nor  man  shall  hear 
Before  thee  ;  but  what  I  in  secret  plan, 
Seek  not  to  know,  nor  curiously  inquire."  645 

"Whom  answer'd  thus  the  stag-ey'd  Queen  of  Heav'n  : 
"What  words,  dread  son  of  Saturn,  dost  thou  speak? 
Ne'er  have  I  sought,  or  now,  or  heretofore, 
Thy  secret  thoughts  to  know ;  what  thou  think'st  fit 
To  tell,  I  wait  thy  gracious  will  to  hear.  650 

Yet  fear  I  in  my  soul  thou  art  beguil'd 
By  wiles  of  Thetis,  silver-footed  Queen, 


Book  I.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  31 

The  daughter  of  the  aged  Ocean-God ; 

For  she  was  with  thee  early,  and  embrac'd 

Thy  knees,  and  has,  I  think,  thy  promise  sure,       655 

Thou  wilt  avenge  Achilles'  cause,  and  bring 

Destructive  slaughter  on  the  Grecian  host." 

To  whom  the  Cloud-compeller  thus  replied  : 
"  Presumptuous,  to  thy  "busy  thoughts  thou  giv'st 
Too  free  a  range,  and  watchest  all  I  do  ;  660 

Tet  shalt  thou  not  prevail,  hut  rather  thus 
Be  alien'd  from  my  heart — the  worse  for  thee  ! 
If  this  be  so,  it  is  my  sov'reign  will. 
But  now,  keep  silence,  and  my  words  obey, 
Lest  all  th'  Immortals  fail,  if  I  be  wroth,  665 

To  rescue  thee  from  my  resistless  hand." 

He  said,  and  terror  seiz'd  the  stag-ey'd  Queen  : 
Silent  she  sat,  curbing  her  spirit  down, 
And  all  the  Gods  in  pitying  sorrow  mourn'd. 
Vulcan,  the  skill'd  artificer,  then  first  670 

Broke  silence,  and  with  soothing  words  address'd 
,K    His  mother,  Juno,  white-ami'd  Queen  of  Heav'n  : 
"  Sad  were't,  indeed,  and  grievous  to  be  borne, 
If  for  the  sake  of  mortal  men  you  two 


32  HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  Book  L 


Should  suffer  angry  passions  to  arise,  675 

And  kindle  broils  in  Heav'n  ;  so  should  our  feast 

By  evil  influence  all  its  sweetness  lack. 

Let  me  advise  my  mother  (and  I  know 

That  her  own  reason  will  my  words  approve) 

To  speak  my  father  fair  ;  lest  he  again  680 

Reply  in  anger,  and  our  banquet  mar. 

For  Jove,  the  lightning's  Lord,  if  such  his  will, 

Might  hurl  us  from  our  seats  (so  great  his  pow'r), 

But  thou  address  him  still  with  gentle  words  ; 

So  shall  his  favour  soon  again  be  ours."  685 

This  said,  he  rose,  and  in  his  mother's  hand 
A  double  goblet  plac'd,  as  thus  he  spoke  : 
"  Have  patience,  mother  mine  !  though  much  enforc'd, 
Restrain  thy  spirit,  lest  perchance  these  eyes, 
Dear  as  thou  art,  behold  thee  brought  to  shame  :    690 
And  I,  though  griev'd  in  heart,  be  impotent 
To  save  thee  ;  for  'tis  hard  to  strive  with  Jove. 
When  to  thy  succour  once  before  I  came, 
He  seiz'd  me  by  the  foot,  and  hurl'd  me  down 
From  Heav'n's  high  threshold  ;  all  the  day  I  fell,  695 
And  with  the  setting  sun,  on  Lemnos'  isle 


book!  HOMEK'S    ILIAD.  33 

Lighted,  scarce  lialf  alive  ;  there  was  I  found, 
And  by  the  Sintian  people  kindly  nurs'd." 

Thus  as  lie  spoke,  the  white-armed  Goddess  smil'd, 
And,  smiling,  from  his  hand  receiv'd  the  cup,        700 
Then  to  th'  Immortals  all,  in  order  due, 
He  minister' d,  and  from  the  flagon  pour'd 
The  luscious  nectar ;  while  among  the  Gods 
Rose  laughter  irrepressible,  at  sight 
Of  Vulcan  hobbling  round  the  spacious  hall.       705 

Thus  they  till  sunset  pass'd  the  festive  hours ; 
Nor  lack'd  the  banquet  aught  to  please  the  sense, 
Nor  sound  of  tuneful  lyre,  by  Phoebus  touch'd, 
Nor  Muses'  voice,  who  in  alternate  strains 
Responsive  sang  :  but  when  the  sun  had  set,  710 

Each  to  his  home  departed,  where  for  each 
The  crippled  Vulcan,  matchless  architect, 
With  wondrous  skill  a  noble  house  had  rear'd. 

To  his  own  couch,  where  he  was  wont  of  old, 
When  overcome  by  gentle  sleep,  to  rest,  715 

Olympian  Jove  ascended ;  there  he  slept, 
And,  by  his  side,  the  golden-throned  Queen.  717 


VOL.  I. 


ARGUMENT. 

TUB  TRIAL  OF  THE  ARMY  AND  CATALOGUE  OP  THE  FORCES. 

Jupiter,  in  pursuance  of  the  request  of  Thetis,  sends  a  deceitful 
vision  to  Agamemnon,  persuading  him  to  lead  the  army  to  battle 
in  order  to  make  the  Greeks  sensible  of  their  want  of  Achilles. 
The  general,  who  is  deluded  with  the  hopes  of  taking  Troy 
without  his  assistance,  but  fears  the  army  was  discouraged  by  his 
absence  and  the  late  plague,  as  well  as  by  length  of  time,  con- 
trives to  make  trial  of  their  disposition  by  a  stratagem.  He  first 
communicates  his  design  to  the  princes  in  council  that  he  would 
propose  a  return  to  the  soldiers,  and  that  they  should  put  a  stop 
to  them  if  the  proposal  was  embraced.  Then  he  assembles  the 
whole  host,  and  upon  moving  for  a  return  to  Greece,  they  unani- 
mously agree  to  it,  and  run  to  prepare  the  ships.  They  are  de- 
tained by  the  management  of  Ulysses,  who  chastises  the  inso- 
lence of  Thersites.  The  assembly  is  recalled,  several  speeches 
made  on  the  occasion,  and  at  length  the  advice  of  Nestor  fol- 
lowed, which  was  to  make  a  general  muster  of  the  troops,  and 
to  divide  them  into  their  several  nations,  before  they  proceeded 
to  battle.  This  gives  occasion  to  the  poet  to  enumerate  all  the 
forces  of  the  Greeks  and  Trojans,  in  a  large  catalogue. 

The  time  employed  in  this  book  consists  not  entirely  of  one  day. 
Tho  scene  lies  in  the  Grecian  camp  and  upon  the  sea-shore  ;  to- 
ward the  end  it  removes  to  Troy. 


BookIL         HOMEB'S    ILIAD.  37 


BOOK    II. 

A  LL  night  in  sleep  repos'd  the  other  Gods, 

And  helmed  warriors  ;  but  the  eyes  of  Jove 
Sweet  slumber  held  not,  pondering  in  his  mind 
How  to  avenge  Achilles'  cause,  and  pour 
Destructive  slaughter  on  the  Grecian  host.  5 

Thus  as  he  mus'd,  the  wisest  course  appear' d 
By  a  deluding  vision  to  mislead 
The  son  of  Atreus ;  and  with  winged  words 
Thus  to  a  phantom  form  he  gave  command  : 
"  Hie  thee,  deluding  Vision,  to  the  camp  10 

And  ships  of  Greece,  to  Agamemnon's  tent ; 
There,  changing  nought,  as  I  command  thee,  speak. 
Bid  that  he  arm  in  haste  the  long-hair'd  Greeks 
To  combat ;  for  the  wide-built  streets  of  Troy 
He  now  may  capture  ;  since  th'  immortal  Gods       15 
"Watch  over  her  no  longer  ;  all  are  gain'd 

By  Juno's  pray'rs  ;  -and  woes  impend  o'er  Troy." 


38  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  IL 

He  said :  the  Vision  heard,  and  straight  obey'd  : 
Swiftly  he  sped,  and  reached  the  Grecian  ships, 
And  sought  the  son  of  Atreus  ;  him  he  fonnd  20 

"Within  his  tent,  wrapped  in  ambrosial  sleep  ; 
Above  his  head  he  stood,  like  Neleus'  son, 
Nestor,  whom  Agamemnon  rev'renc'd  most 
Of  all  the  Elders  ;  in  his  likeness  cloth' d 
Thus  spoke  the  heav'nly  Yision ;  "  Sleep'st  thou,  son 
Of  Atreus,  valiant  warrior,  horseman  bold  ?  26 

To  sleep  all  night  but  ill  becomes  a  chief, 
Charg'd  with  the  public  weal,  and  cares  of  state. 
Hear  now  the  words  I  bear  ;  to  thee  I  come 
A  messenger  from  Jove,  who  from  on  high  30 

Looks  down  on  thee  with  eyes  of  pitying  love. 
He  bids  thee  arm  in  haste  the  long-hair'd  Greeks 
To  combat ;  since  the  wide-built  streets  of  Troy 
Thou  now  mayst  capture  ;  for  th'  immortal  Gods 
Watch  over  her  no  longer  ;  all  are  gain'd  35 

By  Juno's  pray'rs  ;  and  woes  impend  o'er  Troy. 
Bear  this  in  mind ;  and  when  from  sleep  arous'd 
Let  not  my  words  from  thy  remembrance  fade." 
This  said,  he  vanish'd  ;  and  the  monarch  left, 


Book  II.         HOMEE'S    ILIAD.  39 

Inspir'd  with  thoughts  which,  ne'er  should  come  to  pass. 
For  in  that  day  he  vainly  hop'd  to  take  41 

The  town  of  Priam  ;  ignorant  what  Jove 
Design'd  in  secret,  or  what  woes,  what  groans, 
What  lengthen'd  labours  in  the  stubborn  fight, 
Were  yet  for  Trojans  and  for  Greeks  in  store.         45 
He  woke  from  sleep  ;  but  o'er  his  senses  spread 
Dwelt  still  the  heavenly  voice ;  he  sat  upright ; 
He  donn'd  his  vest  of  texture  fine,  new-wrought, 
Then  o'er  it  threw  his  ample  robe,  and  bound 
His  sandals  fair  around  his  well-turn'd  feet ;  50 

And  o'er  his  shoulders  fiung  his  sword,  adorn'd 
With  silver  studs  ;  and  bearing  in  his  hand 
His  royal  staff,  ancestral,  to  the  ships 
Where  lay  the  brass-clad  warriors,  bent  his  way. 

Aurora  now  was  rising  up  the  steep  55 

Of  great  Olympus,  to  th'  immortal  Gods 
Pure  light  diffusing  ;  when  Atrides  bade 
The  clear-voic'd  heralds  to  th'  Assembly  call 
The  gen'ral  host ;  they  gave  the  word,  and  straight 
From  ev'ry  quarter  throng'd  the  eager  crowd.  60 

But  first,  of  all  the  Elders,  by  the  side 


40  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  II 

Of  Nestor's  ship,  the  aged  Pylian  chief, 

A  secret  conclave  Agamemnon  call'd  ; 

And,  prudent,  thus  the  chosen  few  address'd : 

"  Hear  me,  my  friends  !     In  the  still  hours  of  night  65 

I  saw  a  heav'nly  Yision  in  my  sleep  : 

Most  like  it  seemed  in  stature,  form,  and  face 

To  rev'rend  Nestor  ;  at  my  head  it  stood, 

And  with  these  words  address'd  me — '  Sleep'st  thou,  son 

Of  Atreus,  valiant  warrior,  horseman  hold  ?  70 

To  sleep  all  night  but  ill  becomes  a  chief, 

Charg'd  with  the  public  weal,  and  cares  of  state. 

Hear  now  the  words  I  bear :  to  thee  I  come 

A  messenger  from  Jove,  who  from  on  high 

Looks  down  on  thee  with  eyes  of  pitying  love.  75 

He  bids  thee  arm  in  haste  the  long-hair'd  Greeks 

To  combat :  since  the  wide-built  streets  of  Troy 

Thou  now  may'st  capture ;  for  th'  immortal  Gods 

"Watch  over  her  no  longer  :  all  are  gain'd 

By  Juno's  pray'rs,  and  woes  impend  o'er  Troy.        80 

Bear  thou  my  words  in  mind.'     Thus  as  he  spoke 

He  vanish'd ;  and  sweet  sleep  forsook  mine  eyes. 

Seek  we  then  straight  to  arm  the  sons  of  Greece  : 


Book  II.         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  11 

But  first,  as  is  our  wont,  myself  will  prove 
The  spirit  of  the  arrny  ;  and  suggest  85 

Their  homeward  voyage  ;  ye,  throughout  the  camp 
Restore  their  courage,  and  restrain  from  flight." 

Thus  having  said,  he  sat ;  and  next  arose 
Nestor,  the  chief  of  Pylos'  sandy  shore, 
"Who  thus  with  prudent  speech  replied,  and  said  :    90 
"  O  friends,  the  chiefs  and  councillors  of  Greece, 
If  any  other  had  this  Vision  seen, 
We  should  have  deem'd  it  false,  and  laugh'd  to  scorn 
The  idle  tale  ;  but  now  it  hath  appear'd, 
Of  all  our  army,  to  the  foremost  man  :  95 

Seek  we  then  straight  to  arm  the  sons  of  Greece." 

He  said,  and  from  the  council  led  the  way. 
Uprose  the  sceptred  monarchs,  and  obey'd 
Their  leader's  call,  and  round  them  throng'd  the  crowd. 
As  swarms  of  bees,  that  pour  in  ceaseless  stream    100 
From  out  the  crevice  of  some  hollow  rock, 
Now  clust'ring,  and  anon  'mid  vernal  flow'rs, 
Some  here,  some  there,  in  busy  numbers  fly ; 
So  to  th'  Assembly  from  their  tents  and  ships        104 
The  countless  tribes  came  thronging  ;  in  their  midst, 


£2  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  Book  II. 

By  Jove  enkindled,  Rumour  urged  them  on. 

Great  was  the  din ;  and  as  the  mighty  mass 

Sat  down,  the  solid  earth  beneath  them  groan'd ; 

Nine  heralds  rais'd  their  voices  loud,  to  quell 

The  storm  of  tongues,  and  bade  the  noisy  crowd    110 

Be  still,  and  listen  to  the  Heav'n-born  Kings. 

At  length  they  all  were  seated,  and  awhile 

Their  clamours  sank  to  silence ;  then  uprose 

The  monarch  Agamemnon,  in  his  hand 

His  royal  staff,  the  work  of  Vulcan's  art ;  115 

Which  Yulcan  to  the  son  of  Saturn  gave  ; 

To  Hermes  he,  the  heav'nly  messenger  ; 

Hermes  to  Pelops,  matchless  charioteer  ; 

Pelops  to  Atreus  ;  Atreus  at  his  death 

Bequeathed  it  to  Thyestes,  wealthy  Lord  120 

Of  num'rous  herds  ;  to  Agamemnon  last 

Thyestes  left  it ;  token  of  his  sway 

O'er  all  the  Argive  coast,  and  neighbouring  isles. 

On  this  the  monarch  leant,  as  thus  he  spoke  : 

"  Friends,  Grecian  Heroes,  Ministers  of  Mars !       125 

Grievous,  and  all  unlook'd  for,  is  the  blow 

Which  Jove  hath  dealt  me  ;  by  his  promise  led 


Book  II.         HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  43 

I  liop'd  to  raze  the  strong-built  walls  of  Troy, 

And  home  return  in  safety ;  but  it  seems 

He  falsifies  bis  word,  and  bids  me  now  130 

Return  to  Argos,  frustrate  of  my  hope, 

Dishonour'd,  and  with  grievous  loss  of  men. 

Such  now  appears  th'  o'er-ruling  sov'reign  will 

Of  Saturn's  son  ;  who  oft  hath  sunk  the  heads 

Of  many  a  lofty  city  in  the  dust,  135 

And  yet  will  sink  ;  for  mighty  is  his  hand. 

'Tis  shame  indeed  that  future  days  should  hear 

How  such  a  force  as  ours,  so  great,  so  brave, 

Hath  thus  been  baffled,  fighting,  as  we  do, 

'Gainst  numbers  far  inferior  to  our  own,  140 

And  see  no  end  of  all  our  warlike  toil. 

For  should  we  choose,  on  terms  of  plighted  truce, 

Trojans  and  Greeks,  to  number  our  array ; 

Of  Trojans,  all  that  dwell  within  the  town, 

And  we,  by  tens  disposed,  to  every  ten,  145 

To  crown  our  cups,  one  Trojan  should  assign, 

Full  many  a  ten  no  cupbearer  would  find : 

So  far  the  sons  of  Greece  outnumber  all 


44  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  Book  H. 

That  dwell  within  the  town ;  but  to  their  aid 

Bold  warriors  come  from  all  the  cities  round,         150 

Who  greatly  harass  me,  and  render  vain 

My  hope  to  storm  the  strong-built  walls  of  Troy. 

Already  now  nine  weary  years  have  pass'd  ; 

The  timbers  of  our  ships  are  all  decay'd, 

The  cordage  rotted;  in  our  homes  the  while      155 

Our  wives  and  helpless  children  sit,  in  vain 

Expecting  our  return ;    and  still  the  work, 

For  which  we  hither  came,  remains  undone. 

Hear  then  my  counsel ;  let  us  all  agree 

Home  to  direct  our  course,  since  here  in  vain    160 

"We  strive  to  take  the  well-built  walls  of  Troy." 

Thua_asjie  spoke,  the  crowd,  that  had  not  heard 
The  secret  council,  by  his  words  was  mov'd; 
So  sway'd  and  heav'd  the  multitude,  as  when 
O'er  the  vast  billows  of  th'  Icarian  sea  165 

Eurus  and  USTotus  from  the  clouds  of  Heav'n 
Pour  forth  their  fury ;  or  as  some  deep  field 
Of  wavy  corn,  when  sweeping  o'er  the  plain 
The  ruffling  west  wind  sways  the  bending  ears ;    1G9 
So  was  th'  Assembly  stirr'd  ;  and  tow'rd  the  ships 


Book  II.         HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  45 

With  clam'rous  joy  they  rusli'd ;  beneath  their  feet 
Hose  clouds  of  dust,  while  one  to  other  call'd 
To  seize  the  ships  and  drag  them  to  the  main. 
They  clear'd  the  channels,  and  with  shouts  of  "  home" 
That  rose  to  Heav'n,  they  knock'd  the  shores  away. 
Then  had  the  Greeks  in  shameful  flight  withdrawn, 
Had  Juno  not  to  Pallas  thus  appeal'd  :  177 

"  Oh  Heav'n!  brave  child  of segis-bearing  Jove, 
Shall  thus  the  Greeks,  in  ignominious  flight, 
O'er  the  wide  sea  their  homeward  course  pursue, 
And  as  a  trophy  to  the  sons  of  Troy  181 

The  Argive  Helen  leave,  on  whose  account, 
Far  from  their  home,  so  many  valiant  Greeks 
Have  cast  their  lives  away  ?     Go  quickly  thou 
Amid  the  brass-clad  Greeks,  and  man  by  man        185 
Address  with  words  persuasive,  nor  permit 
To  launch  their  well-trimm'd  vessels  on  the  deep." 

She  said,  nor  did  Minerva  not  obey, 
But  swift  descending  from  Olympus'  heights 
With  rapid  flight  she  reach'd  the  Grecian  ships.     190 
V     Laertes'  son,  in  council  sage  as  Jove 

There  found  she  standing ;  he  no  hand  had  laid 


46  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  Book  II. 

On  his  dark  vessel,  for  with,  bitter  grief 

His  heart  was  filled ;  the  blue-ey'd  Maid  approach'd, 

And  thus  address'd  him :  "  Great  Laertes'  son,       195 

Ulysses,  sage  in  council,  can  it  be 

That  you,  the  men  of  Greece,  embarking  thus 

On  your  swift  ships,  in  ignominious  flight, 

O'er  the  wide  sea  will  take  your  homeward  way, 

And  as  a  trophy  to  the  sons  of  Troy  200 

The  Argive  Helen  leave,  on  whose  account 

Far  from  their  homes  so  many  valiant  Greeks 

Have  cast  their  lives  away  ?     Go  quickly  thou 

Among  the  multitude,  and  man  by  man 

Address  with  words  persuasive,  nor  permit  205 

To  launch  their  well-trimm'd  vessels  on  the  deep." 

She  said  ;  the  heav'nly  voice  Ulysses  knew  ; 
Straight,  springing  to  the  course,  he  cast  aside, 
And  to  Eurybates  of  Ithaca, 

His  herald  and  attendant,  threw  his  robe  ;  210 

Then  to  Atrides  hasten'd,  and  by  him 
Arm'd  with  his  royal  staff  ancestral,  pass'd 
With  rapid  step  amid  the  ships  of  Greece. 
Each  King  or  leader  whom  he  found  he  thus 


BookII.  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  47 

With  cheering  words  encourag'd  and  restrain'd :    215 

"  O  gallant  friend,  'tis  not  for  thee  to  yield, 

Like  meaner  men,  to  panic  ;  but  thyself 

Sit  quiet,  and  the  common  herd  restrain. 

Thou  know'st  not  yet  Atrides'  secret  mind  : 

He  tries  us  now,  and  may  reprove  us  soon.  220 

His  words  in  council  reach'd  not  all  our  ears  : 

See  that  he  work  us  not  some  ill ;  for  fierce 

His  anger  ;  and  the  Lord  of  counsel,  Jove, 

From  whom  proceeds  all  honour,  loves  him  well." 

But  of  the  common  herd  whome'er  he  found      225 
Clam'ring,  he  check'd  with  staff  and  threat'ning  words: 
"  Good  friend,  keep  still,  and  hear  what  others  say, 
Thy  betters  far  :  for  thou  art  good  for  nought, 
Of  small  account  in  council  or  in  fight. 
All  are  not  sovereigns  here  :  ill  fares  the  state        230 
Where  many  masters  rule  ;  let  one  be  Lord, 
One  King  supreme  ;  to  whom  wise  Saturn's  son 
In  token  of  his  sov'reign  power  hath  giv'n 
The  sceptre's  sway  and  ministry  of  law."  234 

Such  were  his  words,  as  through  the  ranks  he  pass'd : 
They  from  the  vessels  and  the  tents  again 


48  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  II 

Throng'd  to  th'  Assembly,  with  sucli  rush  of  sound, 
As  when  the  many-dashing  ocean's  wave 
Breaks  on  the  shore,  and  foams  the  frothing  sea. 
The  others  all  were  settled  in  their  seats  :  240 

Only  Thersites,  with  unmeasur'd  words, 
Of  which  he  had  good  store,  to  rate  the  chiefs, 
Not  over-seemly,  but  wherewith  he  thought 
To  move  the  crowd  to  laughter,  brawl'd  aloud. 
The  ugliest  man  was  he  who  came  to  Troy  :  245 

With  squinting  eyes,  and  one  distorted  foot, 
His  shoulders  round,  and  buried  in  his  breast 
His  narrow  head,  with  scanty  growth  of  hair. 
Against  Achilles  and  Ulysses  most 
His  hate  was  turn'd  ;  on  them  his  venom  pour'd  ;  250 
Anon,  at  Agamemnon's  self  he  launch'd 
His  loud-tongucd  ribaldry  ;  'gainst  him  he  knew 
Incensed  the  public  mind  ;  and  bawling  loud,** 
With  scurril  words,  he  thus  address'd  the  King  :    254 
"  What  more,  thou  son  of  Atreus,  would'st  thou  have  ? 
Thy  tents  are  full  of  brass  ;  and  in  those  tents 
Many  fair  women,  whom,  from  all  the  spoil, 
We  Greeks,  whene'er  some  wealthy  town  we  take, 
*  See  note  on  page  84. 


Book  II.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  49 

Choose  first  of  all,  and  set  apart  for  thee. 

Or  dost  tliou  thirst  for  gold,  which  here  perchance 

Some  Trojan  brings,  the  ransom  of  his  son  201 

Captnr'd  by  me,  or  by  some  other  Greek  ? 

Or  some  new  girl,  to  gratify  thy  lust, 

Kept  for  thyself  apart  ?  a  leader,  thou 

Shouldst  not  to  evil  lead  the  sons  of  Greece.  265 

Te  slaves  !  ye  coward  souls  !  "Women  of  Greece  ! 

I  will  not  call  you  men  !  why  go  we  not 

Home  with  our  ships,  and  leave  this  mighty  chief 

To  gloat  upon  his  treasures,  and  find  out 

Whether  in  truth  he  need  our  aid,  or  no ;  2T0 

Who  on  Achilles,  his  superior  far, 

Foul  scorn  hath  cast,  and  robb'd  him  of  his  prize, 

Which  for  himself  he  keeps  ?     Achilles,  sure, 

Is  not  intemperate, but  mild  of  mood  ; 

Else,  Atreus'  son,  this  insult  were  thy  last."  275 

On  Agamemnon,  leader  of  the  host, 
With  words  like  these  Thersites  pour'd  his  hate  ; 
But  straight  Ulysses  at  his  side  appear'd, 
And  spoke,  with  scornful  glance,  in  stern  rebuke  : 
"  Thou  babbling  fool,  Thersites,  prompt  of  speech, 

VOL.    I.  H 


50  HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  Book  IL 

Kestrain  thy  tongue,  nor  singly  thus  presume         281 

The  Kings  to  slander  ;  thou,  the  meanest  far 

Of  all  that  with  the  Atridse  came  to  Troy. 

Ill  it  beseems,  that  such  an  one  as  thou 

Should  lift  thy  voice  against  the  Kings,  and  rail    235 

With  scurril  ribaldry,  and  prate  of  home. 

How  these  affairs  may  end,  we  know  not  yet ; 

Nor  how,  or  well  or  ill,  we  may  return. 

Cease  then  against  Atrides,  King  of  men, 

To  pom-  thy  spite,  for  that  the  valiant  Greeks         290 

To  him,  despite  thy  railing,  as  of  right 

An  ample  portion  of  the  spoils  assign. 

But  this  I  tell  thee,  and  will  make  it  good, 

If  e'er  I  find  thee  play  the  fool,  as  now, 

Then  may  these  shoulders  ceasejthis  head  to  bear,  295 

And  may  my  son  Telemachus  no  more 

Own  me  his  father,  if  I  strip  not  off 

Thy  mantle  and  thy  garments,  aye,  expose 

Thy  nakedness,  and  flog  thee  to  the  ships 

Howling,  and  scourg'd  with  ignominious  stripes/' 300 

Thus  as  he  spoke,  upon  Thersites'  neck 
And  back  came  down  his  heavy  staff ;  the  wretch 


Book  II.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  51 

Shrank  from  the  blow,  and  scalding  tears  let  fall. 

Where  struck  the  golden-stndded  staff,  appear'd 

A  bloody  weal :  Thersites  quail'd,  and  down,  305 

Qiiiv'ring  with  pain,  he  sat,  and  wip'd  away, 

"With  horrible  grimace,  the  trickling  tears. 

The  Greeks,  despite  their  anger,  laugh'd  aloud. 

And  one  to  other  said,  "  Good  faith,  of  all 

The  many  works  Ulysses  well  hath  done,  310 

Wise  in  the  council,  foremost  in  the  fight, 

He  ne'er  hath  done  a  better,  than  when  now 

He  makes  this  scurril  babbler  hold  his  peace. 

Metkinks  his  headstrong  spirit  will  not  soon 

Lead  him  again  to  vilify  the  Kings."  315 

Thus  spoke  the  gen'ral  voice  :  but,  staff  in  hand, 
Ulysses  rose  ;  Minerva  by  his  side, 
In  likeness  of  a  herald,  bade  the  crowd 
Keep  silence,  that  the  Greeks,  from  first  to  last, 
Might  hear  his  words,  and  ponder  his  advice.         320 
He  thus  with  prudent  phrase  his  speech  began  : 
"  Great  son  of  Atreus,  on  thy  name,  O  King, 
Throughout  the  world  will  foul  reproach  be  cast, 
If  Greeks  forget  their  promise,  nor  make  good 


52  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  II. 

Tlie  vow  they  took  to  thee, when  hither-ward  325 

We  sailed  from  Argos'  grassy  plains, to  raze, 

Ere  onr  return,  the  well-built  walls  of  Troy. 

But  now,  like  helpless  widows,  or  like  babes, 

They  mourn  their  cruel  fate,  and  pine  for  home. 

'Tis  hard  indeed  defeated  to  return  ;  330 

The  seaman  murmurs, if  from  wife  and  home, 

Ev'n  for  one  month,  his  well-found  bark  be  stay'cl, 

Toss'd  by  the  wint'ry  blasts  and  stormy  sea  ; 

But  us  the  ninth  revolving  year  beholds 

Still  ling'ring  here  :  I  cannot  therefore  blame         335 

Our  valiant  Greeks,  if  by  the  ships  I  hear 

Their  murmurs  ;  yet  'twere  surely  worst  of  all 

Long  to  remain,  and  bootless  to  return. 

Bear  up,  my  friends,  remain  awhile,  and  see 

If  Calchas  truly  prophesy,  or  no.  340 

For  this  ye  all  have  seen,  and  can  yourselves 

Bear  witness,  all  who  yet  are  spar'd  by  fate, 

Not  long  ago,  when  ships  of  Greece  were  met 

At  Aulis,  charg'd  with  evil  freight  for  Troy, 

And  we,  around  a  fountain,  to  the  Gods  345 

Our  altars  rear'd,  with  faultless  hecatombs, 


Book  II.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  53 

Near  a  fair  plane-tree,  where  bright  water  flow'd, 
Behold  a  wonder  !  by  Olympian  Jove 
Sent  forth  to  light,  a  snake,  with  bnrnish'd  scales, 
Of  aspect  fearful,  issuing  from  beneath  350 

The  altars,  glided  to  the  plane-tree  straight. 
There,  on  the  topmost  bough,  beneath  the  leaves 
Cow'ring,  'a  sparrow's  callow  nestlings  lay  ; 
Eight  fledglings,  and  the  parent  bird  the  ninth. 
All  the  eight  nestlings,  utt'ring  piercing  cries,        355 
The  snake  devour'd  ;  and  as  the  mother  flew, 
Lamenting  o'er  her  offspring,  round  and  round, 
Uncoiling,  caught  her,  shrieking,  by  the  wing. 
Then,  when  the  sparrow's  nestlings  and  herself 
The  snake  had  swallowed,  by  the  God,  who  first     360 
Sent  him  to  light,  a  miracle  was  wrought  : 
X  For  Jove,  the  deep-designing  Saturn's  son, 

Turn'd  him  to  stone  ;  we  stood,  and  wond'ring  gaz'd. 

But  when  this  prodigy  befell  our  rites, 

Calchas,  inspir'd  of  Heaven,  took  up  his  speech  :     365 

'  Ye  Ions-haired  sons  of  Greece,  why  stand  ye  thus 

In  mute  amaze  ?  to  us  Olympian  Jove, 

To  whom  be  endless  praise,  vouchsafes  this  sign, 


54  HOMER'S      ILIAD.  Book  n. 

Late  sent,  of  late  fulfilment :  as  ye   saw 

The  snake  devour  the  sparrow  and  her  young,        370 

Eight  nestlings,  and  the  parent  bird  the  ninth  : 

So,  for  so  many  years,  are  we  condemn'd 

To  was-e  a  fruitless  war ;  but  in  the  tenth 

The  wide-built  city  shall  at  last  be  ours.' 

Thus  he  foretold,  and  now  the  time  is  come.  375 

Here  then,  ye  well-greav'd  Greeks,  let  all  remain, 

Till  Priam's  wealthy  city  be  our  own." 

He  said,  and  loudly  cheer'd  the  Greeks — and  loud 
From  all  the  hollow  ships  came  back  the  cheers — 
In  admiration  of  Ulysses'  speech.  3S0 

Gerenian  Nestor  next  took  up  the  word  : 
"Like  children,  Grecian  warriors,  ye  debate  ; 
Like  babes  to  whom  unknown  are  feats  of  arms. 
Where  then  are  now  our  solemn  covenants, 
Our  plighted  oaths  %     Go,  cast  we  to  the  fire  3S5 

Our  councils  held,  our  warriors'  plans  matur'd, 
Our  absolute  pledges,  and  our  hand-plight  giv'n, 
In  which  our  trust  was  placed  ;  since  thus  in  vain 
In  words  we  wrangle,  and  how  long  soe'er 
We  here  remain,  solution  none  we  find.  39U 


BookIL  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  55 

Atrides,  thou,  as  is  thy  wont,  maintain 

Unchang'd  thy  counsel ;  for  the  stubborn  fight 

Array  the  Greeks  ;  and  let  perdition  seize 

Those  few,  those  two  or  three  among  the  host, 

Who  hold  their  separate  counsel — (not  on  them     395 

Depends  the  issue  !) — rather  than  return 

To  Argos,  ere  we  prove  if  Jove  indeed 

Will  falsify  his  promis'd  word,  or  no. 

For  well  I  ween,  that  on  the  day  when  first 

We  Grecians  hitherward  our  course  address'd,        400 

To  Troy  the  messengers  of  blood  and  death, 

Th'  o'er-ruling  son  of  Saturn,  on  our  right 

His  lightning  flashing,  with  auspicious  sign 

Assur'd  us  of  his  favour  ;  let  not  then  404 

The  thoughts  of  home  be  breath'd,  ere  Trojan  wives 

Given  to  our  warriors,  retribution  pay 

For  wrongs  by  us,  in  Helen's  cause,  sustain' d. 

But  whoso  longs,  if  such  an  one  there  be, 

To  make  his  homeward  voyage,  let  him  take 

His  well-rigg'd  bark,  and  go  ;  before  the  rest  410 

To  meet  the  doom  of  death  !     But  thou,  O  King  ! 

Be  well  advis'd  thyself,  and  others  lead 


5G  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  il 

By  wholesome  counsel ;  for  the  words  I  speak 
Are  not  to  be  despis'd  ;  by  tribes  and  clans, 
O  Agamemnon  !  range  thy  troops,  that  so  415 

Tribe  may  to  tribe  give  aid,  and  clan  to  clan. 
If  thus  thou  do,  and  Greeks  thy  words  obey, 
Then  shalt  thou  see,  of  chiefs  and  troops  alike, 
The  good  and  bad ;  for  on  their  own  behoof 
They  all  shall  fight ;  and  if  thou  fail,  shalt  know  420 
Whether  thy  failure  be~of  HejivVs  decree, 
Or  man's  default  and  ignorance  of  war." 
To  whom  the  monarch  Agamemnon  thus  : 

"  Father,  in  council,  of  the  sons  of  Greece, 

None  can  compare  with  thee ;  and  would  to  Jove  425 

To  Pallas,  and  Apollo,  at  my  side 

I  had  but  ten  such  counsellors  as  thee  ! 

Then  soon  should  royal  Priam's  city  fall, 

Tak'n  and  destroy'd  by  our  victorious  hands. 

But  now  on  me  hath  aegis-bearing  Jove,  430 

The  son  of  Saturn,  fruitless  toil  impos'd, 

And  hurtful  quarrels  ;  for  in  wordy  war 

About  a  girl,  Achilles  and  myself 

Engag'd  ;  and  I,  alas  !  the  strife  began  : 


Book  II.  HOMEE'S    ILIAD  57 

Could  we  be  friends  again,  delay  were  none,  435 

How  short  soe'er,  of  Ilium's  final  doom. 
But  now  to  breakfast,  ere  we  wage  tlie  fight. 
Each  sharpen  well  his  spear,  his  shield  prepare, 
Each  to  his  fiery  steeds  their  forage  give, 
Each  look  his  chariot  o'er,  that  through  the  day     440 
"We  may  unwearied  stem  the  tide  of  war  ; 
For  respite  none,  how  short  soe'er,  shall  be 
Till  niodit  shall  bid  the  storm  of  battle  cease. 
With  sweat  shall  reek  upon  each  warrior's  breast 
The  leathern  belt  beneath  the  cov'ring  shield  ;       445 
And  hands  shall  ache  that  wield  the  pond'rous  spear  : 
With  sweat  shall  reek  the  fiery  steeds  that  draw 
Eaah  warrior's  car ;  but  whomsoe'er  I  find 
Loit'ring  beside  the  beaked  ships,  for  him  449 

:Twere  hard  to  'scape  the  vultures  and  the  dogs." 

He  said  ;  and  from  th'  applauding  ranks  of  Greece 
Rose  a  loud  sound,  as  when  the  ocean  wave, 
Driv'n  by  the  south  wind  on  some  lofty  beach, 
Dashes  against  a  prominent  crag,  expos'd 
To  blasts  from  every  storm  that  roars  around.        455 
Uprising  then,  and  through  the  camp  dispers'd 


58  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  II. 

They  took  their  sev'ral  ways,  and  by  their  tents 

The  fires  they  lighted,  and  the  meal  prepar'd  ; 

And  each  to  some  one  of  the  Immortal  Gods 

His  off'ring  made,  that  in  the  coming  fight  400 

He  might  escape  the  bitter  doom  of  death. 

But  to  the  o'errnling  son  of  Saturn,  Jove, 

A  sturdy  ox,  well-fatten'd,  five  years  old, 

Atrides  slew  ;  and  to  the  banquet  call'd 

The  a^ed  chiefs  and  councillors  of  Greece ;  4-65 

Nestor  the  first,  the  King  Idomeneus, 

The  two  Ajaces  next,  and  Tydeus'  son, 

Ulysses  sixth,  as  Jove  in  council  sage. 

But  uninvited  Menelaus  came, 

Knowing  what  cares  upon  his  brother  press'd.        470 

Around  the  ox  they  stood,  and  on  his  head 

The  salt  cake  sprinkled  ;  then  amid  them  all 

The  monarch  Agamemnon  pray'd  aloud  : 

"  Most  great,  most  glorious  Jove!  who  dwell'st  on  high, 

In  clouds  and  darkness  veil'd,  grant  Thou  that  ere475 

This  sun  shall  set,  and  night  o'erspread  the  earth, 

I  may  the  haughty  walls  of  Priam's  house 

Lay  prostrate  in  the  dust ;  and  burn  with  fire 


Book  II.  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  59 

His  lofty  gates  ;  and  strip  from  Hector's  breast 
His  sword-rent  tunic,  while  around  his  corpse         480 
Many  brave  comrades,  prostrate,  bite  the  dust." 
Thus  he  ;  but  Saturn's  son  his  pray'r  denied  ; 
Receiv'd  his  offrings,  but  his  toils  increas'd. 
Their  pray'rs  concluded,  and  the  salt  cake  strewed 
Upon  the  victim's  head,  they  drew  him  back,         485 
And  slew,  and  flay'd  ;  then  cutting  from  the  thighs 
The  choicest  pieces,  and  in  double  layers 
O'erspreading  them  with  fat,  above  them  plac'd 
The  due  meat-off'rings  ;  these  they  burnt  with  logs 
Of  leafless  timber  ;  and  the  inward  parts,  490 

First  to  be  tasted,  o'er  the  lire  they  held. 
The  thighs  consum'd  with  fire,  the  inward  parts 
They  tasted  first ;  the  rest  upon  the  spits 
Roasted  with  care,  and  from  the  fire  withdrew. 
Their  labours  ended,  and  the  feast  prepar'd,  495 

They  shared  the  social  meal,  nor  lacked  there  aught. 
The  rage  of  thirst  and  hunger  satisfied, 
Gerenian  Nestor  thus  his  speech  began  : 
"Most  mighty  Agamemnon,  King  of  meu, 
Great  Atreus'  son,  no  longer  let  us  pause,  500 


60  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.         Book  IL 

The  work  delaying  which  the  pow'rs  of  Heav'n 
Have  trusted  to  our  hands  ;  do  thou  forthwith 
Bid  that  the  heralds  proclamation  make, 
And  summon  through  the  camp  the  brass-clad  Greeks  ; 
While,  in  a  body,  through  the  wide-spread  ranks  505 
We  pass,  and  stimulate  their  warlike  zeal." 
He  said ;  and  Agamemnon,  King  of  men, 
Obedient  to  his  counsel,  gave  command 
That  to  the  war  the  clear-voic'd  heralds  call 
Thelong-hair'd  Greeks :  they  gave  the  word,  and  straight 
From  ev'ry  quarter  throng'd  the  eager  crowd.        51 1 
The  Heav'n-born  Kings,  encircling  Atreus'  son, 
The  troops  inspected  :  Pallas,  blue-ey'd  Maid, 
Before  the  chiefs  her  glorious  regis  bore, 
By  time  untouch'd,  immortal :  all  around  5X5 

A  hundred  tassels  hung,  rare  works  of  art, 
All  gold,  each  one  a  hundred  oxen's  price. 
"With  this  the  Goddess  pass'd  along  the  ranks, 
Exciting  all ;  and  fix'd  in  every  breast 
The  firm  resolve  to  wao-e  unwearied  war  :  520 

And  dearer  to  their  hearts  than  thoughts  of  home 
Or  wish'd  return,  became  the  battle-field. 


hook  II.         HOMEE'S    ILIAD.  61 

As  when  a  -wasting  fire,  on  mountain  tops, 
Hath  seized  the  blazing  woods,  afar  is  seen 
The  glaring  light ;  so,  as  they  mov'd,  to  Heav'n     525 
Flash'd  the  bright  glitter  of  their  burnish' d  arms. 

As  when  a  num'rous  flock  of  birds,  or  geese, 
Or  cranes,  or  long-neck' d  swans,  on  Asian  mead, ' 
Beside  Cayster's  stream,  now  here,  now  there, 
Disporting,  ply  their  wings  ;  then  settle  down        530 
"With  clam'rous  noise,  that  all  the  mead  resounds  ; 
So  to  Scamander's  plain,  from  tents  and  ships, 
Pour'd  forth  the  countless  tribes ;  the  firm  earth  grown'd 
Beneath  the  tramp  of  steeds  and  armed  men. 
Upon  Scamander's  flow'ry  mead  they  stood,  535 

Unnumber'd  as  the  vernal  leaves  and  flow'rs. 

Or  as  the  multitudinous  swarms  of  flies, 
That  round  the  cattle-sheds  in  spring-tide  pour, 
"While  the  warm  milk  is  frothing  in  the  pail : 
So  numberless  upon  the  plain,  array'd  540 

For  Troy's  destruction,  stood  the  long-hair'd  Greets. 
And  as  experienced  goat-herds,  when  their  flocks 
Are  mingled  in  the  pasture,  portion  out 
Their  sev'ral  charges,  so  the  chiefs  array'd 


62  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.         Book  IL 

Their  squadrons  for  the  fight ;  while  in  the  midst  545 

The  mighty  monarch  Agamemnon  mov'd  : 

His  eye,  and  lofty  brow,  the  counterpart 

Of  Jove,  the  Lord  of  thunder  ;  in  his  girth 

Another  Mars,  with  Neptune's  ample  chest. 

As  'mid  the  thronging  heifers  in  a  herd  550 

Stands,  proudly  eminent,  the  lordly  bull ; 

So,  by  Jove's  will,  stood  eminent  that  day, 

'Mid  many  heroes,  Atreus'  godlike  son. 

Say  now,  ye  Nine,  who  on  Olympus  dwell, 
Muses  (for  ye  are  Goddesses,  and  ye  555 

"Were  present,  and  know  all  things  :  we  ourselves 
But  hear  from  Humour's  voice,  and  nothing  know), 
Who  were  the  chiefs  and  mighty  Lords  of  Greece. 
But  should  I  seek  the  multitude  to  name, 
Not  if  ten  tongues  were  mine,  ten  mouths  to  speak, 
Voice  inexhaustible,  and  heart  of  brass,  561 

Should  I  succeed,  unless,  Olympian  maids, 
The  progeny  of  a?gis-bearing  Jove, 
Ye  should  their  names  record,  who  came  to  Troy. 
The  chiefs,  and  all  the  ships,  I  now  rehearse.  565 

Boeotia's  troops  by  Peneleus  were  led, 


Book  H.         HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  63 

And  Leitus,  and  Prothoenor  bold, 

Arcesilas  and  Clonius  :  they  who  dwelt 

In  Hyria,  and  on  Anlis'  rocky  coast, 

Scoenns,  and  Scolus,  and  the  highland  range  570 

Of  Eteonus  ;  in  Thespeia's  vale, 

Graia,  and  Mycalessus'  wide-spread  plains  : 

And  who  in  Harma  and  Eilesinm  dwelt, 

And  in  Erythrse,  and  in  Eleon, 

Hyle,  and  Peteon,  and  Ocalea,  575 

In  Copse,  and  in  Medeon's  well-bnilt  fort, 

Entresis,  Thisbe's  dove-freqnented  woods, 

And  Coronea,  and  the  grassy  meads 

Of  Haliartns  ;  and  Platrea's  plain, 

In  Glissa,  and  the  foot  of  Lower  Thebes,  580 

And  in  Anchestns,  Neptune's  sacred  grove  ; 

And  who  in  viny-cluster'd  Arne  dwelt, 

And  in  Mideia,  and  the  lovely  site 

Of  Nissa,  and  Anthedon's  utmost  bounds. 

"With  these  came  fifty  vessels  ;  and  in  each  585 

"Were  six  score  youths,  Boeotia's  noblest  flow'r. 

Who  in  Aspledon  dwelt,  and  in  Minyas'  realm 
Orchomenus,  two  sons  of  Mars  obey'd, 


64  HOMEK'S      ILIAD.  Book  IL 

•7.      Ascalaphus,  and  bold  Ialmenus ; 

In  Actor's  house,  the  sou  of  Azeus,  born  590 

Of  fair  Astyoche,  a  maiden  pure, 

Till  in  the  upper  chamber,  where  she  slept, 

Stout  Mars  by  stealth  her  virgin  bed  assail'd  : 

Of  these  came  thirty  ships  in  order  due. 

By  Schedius  and  Epistrophus,  the  sons  595 

Of  great  Iphitus,  son  of  ]STaubolus, 
Were  led  the  Phocian  forces  ;  these  were  they 
"Who  dwelt  in  Cyparissus,  and  the  rock 
Of  Python,  and  on  Crissa's  lovely  plain  ; 
And  who  in  Daulis,  and  in  Panope,  600 

Anemorea  and  Hyampolis, 
And  by  Cephisus'  sacred  waters  dwelt, 
Or  in  Lilsea,  by  Cephisus'  springs. 
hi  their  command  came  forty  dark-ribb'd  ships 
These  were  the  leaders  of  the  Phocian  bands,         605 
And  on  Boeotia's  left  their  camp  was  pitch'd. 

Ajax,  Oileus'  son,  the  Locrians  led  ; 
Swift-footed,  less  than  Ajax  Telamon, 
Of  stature  low,  with  linen  breastplate  arm'd  : 
But  skill'd  to  throw  the  spear  o'er  all  who  dwell    010 


Book  II.  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  05 

In  Hellas  or  Achaia  :  these  were  they 

From  Cynos,  Opus,  and  Calliarus, 

Bessa,  and  Searpha,  and  Augasa  fair, 

Tarpha,  and  Thronium,  by  Boagrius'  stream. 

Him  from  beyond  Eubcea's  sacred  isle,  613 

Of  Locrians  folio  w'd  forty  dark-ribb'd  ships. 

Breathing  firm  courage  high,  th'  Abantian  host, 
Who  from  Euboea  and  from  Chalcis  came, 
Or  who  in  vine-clad  Histigea  dwelt, 
Eretria,  and  Cerinthus  maritime,  620 

And  who  the  lofty  fort  of  Dium  held, 
And  in  Carystus  and  in  Styra  dwelt : 
These Elephenor  led,  true  plant  of  Mars, 
Chalcodon's  son,  the  brave  Abantian  chief. 
Him,  all  conspicuous  with  their  long  black  hair,    625 
The  bold  Abantians  follow'd  :  spearmen  skill'd, 
Who  through  the  foemen's  breastplates  knew  full  well, 
Held  in  firm  grasp,  to  drive  the  ashen  spear. 
In  his  command  came  forty  dark-ribb'd  ships. 

Those  who  in  Athens'  well-built  city  dwelt,        630 
The  noble-soul'd  Erectheus'  heritage  ; 
Child  of  the  fertile  soil,  by  Pallas  rear'd, 

VOL.    I.  F 


66  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  IL 

Daughter  of  Jove,  wlio  liim  in  Athens  plac'd 

In  her  own  wealthy  temple ;  there  with  blood 

Of  bulls  and  lambs,  at  each  revolving  year,  635 

The  youths  of  Athens  do  him  sacrifice  ; 

These  by  Menestheus,  Peteus'  son,  were  led. 

With  him  might  none  of  mortal  men  compare, 

In  order  due  of  battle  to  array 

Chariots  and  buckler' d  men  ;  Nestor  alone  640 

Perchance  might  rival  him,  his  elder  far. 

In  his  command  came  fifty  dark-ribb'd  ships. 

Twelve  ships  from  Salamis  with  Ajax  came, 
And  they  beside  tli'  Athenian  troops  Avere  rang'd.  644 

Those  who  from  Argos,  and  the  well-wall'd  town 
Of  Tyrins  came,  and  from  Hermione, 
And  Asine,  deep-bosom'd  in  the  bay  ; 
And  from  Trcezene  and  Eione, 
And  vine-clad  Epidaurus  ;  and  the  youths 
Who  dwelt  in  Mases,  and  JKgina's  isle  ;  650 

O'er  all  of  these  the  valiant  Diomed 
Held  rule  ;  and  Sthenelus,  th'  illustrious  son 
Of  far-fam'd  Capaneus  ;  with  these,  the  third, 
A  godlike  warrior  came,  Euryalus, 


Book  II.         HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  67 

Son  of  Mecistheus,  Taliius'  royal  son.  655 

Supreme  o'er  all  was  valiant  Diomed. 

In  their  command  came  eighty  dark-ribb'd  ships. 

Who  in  Myceme's  Avell-built  fortress  dwelt, 
And  wealthy  Corinth,  and  Cleone  fair, 
Orneia,  and  divine  Arsethnre,  66C 

And  Sicyon,  where  Adrastus  reign'd  of  old, 
And  Gonoessa's  promontory  steep, 
And  Hyperesia,  and  Pellene's  rock ; 
In  JEgium,  and  the  scatter'd  towns  that  lie 
Along  the  beach,  and  wide-spread  Helice  ;  665 

Of  these  a  hundred  ships  obey'cl  the  rule 
Of  mighty  Agamemnon,  Atrens'  son. 
The  largest  and  the  bravest  host  was  his ; 
And  he  himself,  in  dazzling  armour  clad, 
O'er  all  the  heroes  proudly  eminent,  670 

"Went  forth  exulting  in  his  high  estate, 
Lord  of  the  largest  host,  and  chief  of  chiefs. 

Those  who  in  Lacedaenion's  lowland  plains, 
And  who  in  Sparta  and  in  Phare  dwelt, 
And  who  on  Messa's  dove-frequented  cliffs,  675 

Bryseia,  and  ^Egoea's  lovely  vale, 


€8  HOMER'S     ILIAD.         Book  U 

And  in  Amyclse,  and  the  sea-bathed  fort 

Of  Helos,  (Etylus  and  Laas  dwelt ; 

His  valiant  brother  Menelaus  led, 

With  sixty  ships ;  but  ranged  apart  they  lay.      630 

Their  chief,  himself  in  martial  ardour  bold, 

Inspiring  others,  fill'd  with  fierce  desire 

The  rape  of  Helen  and  his  wrongs  to  avenge. 

They  who  in  Pylos  and  Arene  dwelt, 
And  Thyrum,  by  the  ford  of  Alpheus'  stream,        G85 
In  Cyparissus  and  Amphigene, 
Pteleon,  and  lofty  CEpus'  well-built  fort, 
Helos,  and  Dorium,  where  the  Muses  met, 
And  put  to  silence  Thracian  Thamyris, 
As  from  (Echalia,  from  the  royal  house  690 

Of  Eurytus  he  came  ;  he,  over-bold, 
Boasted  himself  pre-eminent  in  song, 
Ev'n  though  the  daughters  of  Olympian  Jove, 
The  Muses,  were  his  rivals  :  they  in  wrath 
Him  of  his  sight  at  once  and  pow'r  of  song         695 
Amerc'd,  and  bade  his  hand  forget  the  lyre. 
These  by  Gerenian  ]Sfestor  all  were  led, 
In  fourscore  ships  and  ten  in  order  due. 


book  II.         ILOMEK'S     ILIAD.  C9 

They  of  Arcadia,  and  the  realm  that  lies 
Beneath  Cyllene's  mountain  high,  around  TOO 

The  tomb  of  iEpytus,  a  warrior  race ; 
The  men  of  Pheneus  and  Orchomenus 
In  flocks  abounding ;  who  in  Bipa  dwelt, 
In  Stratia,  and  Enispe's  breezy  height, 
Or  Tegea  held,  and  sweet  Mantinea,  705 

Stymphalus  and  Parrhasia ;  these  were  led 
By  Agapenor  brave,  Anchseus'  son, 
In  sixty  ships ;  in  each  a  num'rous  crew 
Of  stout  Arcadian  youths,  to  war  inur'd. 
The  ships,  wherewith  they  crossed  the  dark-blue  sea, 
Were  giv'n  by  Agamemnon,  King  of  men,  711 

The  son  of  Atreus  ;  for  th'  Arcadian  youth 
Had  ne'er  to  maritime  pursuits  been  train'd. 

Who  in  Buprasiiim  and  in  Elis  dwelt, 
Far  as  Hyrmine,  and  th'  extremest  bounds  715 

Of  Myrsinus ;  and  all  the  realm  that  lies 
Between  Aleisium  and  the  Olenian  rock  ; 
These  by  four  chiefs  were  led  ;  and  ten_swift  ships, 
By  bold  Epeians  mann'd,  each  chief  obey'd. 
Amphimachus  and  Thalpius  Avere  the  first,  720 


70  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  IL 

Sons  of  two  brothers,  Cteatus  the  one, 

The  other  Eurytus,  to  Actor  born  ; 

Next  Amarynceus'  son,  Diores  bold  ; 

The  fourth  Polyxenus,  the  godlike  son 

Of  Angeas'  royal  heir,  Agasthenes.  725 

They  of  Dulichium,  and  the  sacred  isles, 
Th'  Echinades,  which  face,  from  o'er  the  sea, 
The  coast  of  Elis,  were  by  Meges  led, 
The  son  of  Phyleus,  dear  to  Jove,  in  arms 
Yaliant  as  liars  ;  who,  with  his  sire  at  feud,  730 

Had  left  his  home,  and  to  Dulichium  come  : 
In  his  command  were  forty  dark-ribb'd  ships. 

Those  who  from  warlike  Cephalonia  came, 
And  Ithaca,  and  leafy  Neritus, 

And  Crocyleium  ;  rugged  .zEgilips,  735 

And  Samos,  and  Zacyntlms,  and  the  coast 
Of  the  mainland  with  its  opposing  isles  ; 
These  in  twelve  ships,  with  scarlet-painted  bows, 
Ulysses  led,  in  council  sage  as  Jove. 

Thoas,  Andrsemon's  son,  th'  ^Etolians  led  ;  740 

From  Pleuron,  and  Pylone,  Olenus, 
Chalcis-by-sea,  and  rocky  Calydon  : 


BookII.         HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  71 

The  race  of  (Eneus  was  no  more  ;  himself, 
And  fair-hair'd  Meleager,  both  were  dead  : 
Whence  all  JEtolia's  rule  on  him  was  laid.  745 

In  his  command  came  forty  dark-ribb'd  ships. 

The  King  Idomenens  the  Cretans  led, 
From  Cnossns,  and  Gortyna's  well-wall'd  town, 
Miletus,  and  Lycastus'  white-stone  cliffs, 
Lyctus,  and  Phgestus,  Khytium,  and  the  rest  750 

Whom  Crete  from  all  her  hundred  cities  sent : 
These  all  Idomeneus,  a  spearman  skill'd, 
Their  King,  commanded  ;  and  Meriones, 
In  battle  terrible  as  blood-stain'd  Mars.  754 

In  their  command  came  fourscore  dark-ribb'd  ships. 

Yaliant  and  tall,  the  son  of  Hercules, 
Tlepolemus,  nine  vessels  brought  from  Rhodes, 
By  gallant  lihodians  mann'd,  who  tripartite 
Were  settled,  and  in  Ialyssus  dwelt, 
In  Lindus,  and  Cameirus'  white-stone  hills.  76C 

These  all  renown'd  Tlepolemus  obey'd, 
Who  to  the  might  of  Hercules  was  born 
Of  fair  Astyoche  ;  his  captive  she, 
When  many  a  goodly  town  his  arms  had  raz'd, 


72  HOMER'S      ILIAD.  Boos  IL 

Was  brought  from  Ephyra,  by  Selles'  stream.     765 
Rear'd  in  the  royal  house,  Tlepolemus, 
In  early  youth,  his  father's  uncle  slew, 
A  warrior  once,  but  now  in  life's  decline, 
Lycimnius  ;  then  in  haste  a  fleet  he  built, 
Muster'd  a  num'rous  host ;  and  fled,  by  sea,  770 

The  threatened  vengeance  of  the  other  sons 
And  grandsons  of  the  might  of  Hercules. 
Long  wand'rings  past,  and  toils  and  perils  borne, 
To  Rhodes  he  came ;  his  followers,  by  their  tribes, 
Three  districts  form'd  ;  and  so  divided,  dwelt,       775 
Belov'd  of  Jove,  the  King  of  Gods  and  men, 

Who  show'r'd  upon  them  boundless  store  of  wealth. 
Kireus  three  well-trimm'd  ships  from  Svme  brought  ■ 

Nireus,  to  Charops  whom  Aglaia  bore  : 

Nireus,  the  goodliest  man  of  all  the  Greeks,  780 

Who  came  to  Troy,  save  Peleus'  matchless  son  : 

But  scant  his  fame,  and  few  the  troops  he  led. 
Who  in  Nisyrus  dwelt,  and  Carpathus, 

And  Cos,  the  fortress  of  Eurypylus, 

And  in  the  Casian  and  Calydnian  Isles,  7S5 

Were  by  Phidippus  led,  and  Antiphus, 


Book  II.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  73 

Two  sons  of  Thessalus,  Alcides'  son  ; 
With  them  came  tlm-l^jsjiips  in  order  due. 

Next  those  who  in  Pelasgian  Argos  dwelt, 
And  who  in  Alos,  and  in  Alope,  790 

Trachys,  and  Phthia,  and  in  Hellas  fam'd 
For  women  fair  ;  of  these,  by  various  names, 
Achaians,  Myrmidons,  Hellenes,  known, 
In  fifty  ships,  Achilles  was  the  chief. 
But  from  the  battle-strife  these  all  abstain'd,  795 

Since  none  there  was  to  marshal  their  array. 
For  Peleus'  godlike  son,  the  swift  of  foot, 
Lay  idly  in  his  tent,  the  loss  resenting 
Of  Brises'  fair-hair'd  daughter  ;  whom  himself 
Had  chosen,  prize  of  all  his  warlike  toil,  800 

When  he  Lyrnessus  and  the  walls  of  Thebes 
O'erthrew,  and  Mynes  and  Epistrophus 
Struck  down,  bold  warriors  both,  Evenus'  sons, 
Selepius'  royal  heir  ;  for  her  in  wrath, 
He  held  aloof,  but  soon  again  to  appear.  805 

Those  in  the  flow'ry  plain  of  Pyrrhasus, 
To  Ceres  dear,  who  dwelt ;  in  Phylace, 
In  Iton,  rich  in  flocks,  and,  by  the  sea, 


74  HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  Book  II 

In  Antron,  and  in  Pteleon's  grass-clad  meads  ; 

These  led  Protesiliius,  famed  in  arms,  810 

While  yet  he  liv'd  ;  now  laid  beneath  the  sod. 

In  Phylace  were  left  his  weeping  wife, 

And  half-biiilt  house  ;  him,  springing  to  the  shore, 

First  of  the  Greeks,  a  Dardan  warrior  slew.  814 

ISTor  were  his  troops,  their  leader  though  they  mourn' d. 

Left  leaderless ;  the  post  of  high  command 

Podarces  claim'd  of  right,  true  plant  of  Mars, 

Iphiclus'  son,  the  rich  Phylacides  ; 

The  brother  of  Protesiliius  he, 

Younger  in  years,  nor  equal  in  renown  ;  820 

Yet  of  a  chief  no  want  the  forces  felt, 

Though  much  they  mourn'd  their  valiant  leader  slain. 

In  his  command  came  forty  dark-ribb'd  ships. 

Those  who  from  Pherse  came,  beside  the  lake 
Boabeis,  and  who   dwelt  in  Glaphyrse,  S25 

In  Boebe,  and  Iolcos'  well-built  fort, 
These  in  eleven  ships  Eumelus  led, 
Whom  Pelias'  daughter,  fairest  of  her  race, 
Divine  Alcestis  to  Admetus  bore. 

Who  in  Methone  and  Thaumacia  dwelt,  830 


I300KK.  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  75 

In  Melibcca  and  Olizon's  rock ; 
These  Pliiloctetes,  skilful  archer,  led. 
Sev'n  ships  were  theirs,  and  ev'ry  ship  was  mann'd 
By  fifty  rowers,  skilful  archers  all.  834 

But  he,  their  chief,  was  lying,  rack'd  with  pain, 
On  Lemnos'  sacred  isle  ;  there  left  perforce 
In  torture  from  a  venomous  serpent's  wound: 
There  he  in  anguish  lay :  nor  long,  ere  Greeks 
Of  royal  Philoctetes  felt  their  need.  839 

Yet  were  his  troops,  their  leader  though  they  mourn'd, 
Kot  leaderless :  O'ileus'  bastard  son, 
Medon,  of  Ehene  born,  their  ranks  array'd. 

Who  in  (Echalia,  Eurytus'  domain, 
In  Tricca,  and  in  rough  Ithome  dwelt, 
These  Podalirius  and  Machaon  led,  845 

Two  skilful  leeches,  iEsculapius'  sons. 
Of  these  came  thirty  ships  in  order  due. 

Who  in  Ormenium  and  Asterium  dwelt, 
By  Hypereia's   fount,  and  on  the  heights 
Of  Titanum's  white  peaks,  of  these  was  chief    850 
Eurypylus,  Euaemon's  gallant  son ; 
In  his  command  came  forty,,  dark-ribb'd  ships. 


76  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  II 

Who  in  Argissa  and  Gyrtona  dwelt, 
Ortha,  Elone,  and  the  white-wall' d  town 
Of  Oloosson,  Polypcetes  led  ;  855 

Son  of  Pirithous,  progeny  of  Jove, 
A  warrior  bold ;  Hippodamia  fair 
Him  to  Pirithous  bore,  what  time  he  slew 
The  shaggy  Centaurs,  and  from  Pelion's  heights 
For  refuge  'mid  the  rude  .zEthices  drove.  860 

Nor  he  alone  ;  wTith  him  to  Troy  there  came 
A  scion  true  of  Mars,  Leonteus,  heir 
Of  nobly-born  Coronus,  Ceeneus'  son. 
In  their  command  came  forty  dark-ribb'd  ships. 

With  t^vo  and  twenty  vessels  Gouneus  came       865 
From  Cythus  ;  he  the  Enienes  led, 
And  the  Peraebians'  warlike  tribes,  and  those 
Who  dwelt  around  Dodona's  wintry  heights, 
Or  till'd  the  soil  upon  the  lovely  banks 
Of  Titaresius,  who  to  Peneus  pours  870 

The  tribute  of  his  clearly-flowing  stream  ; 
Yet  mingles  not  with  Peneus'  silver  waves, 
But  on  the  surface  floats  like  oil,  his  source 
From  Styx  deriving,  in  whose  awful  name 


Book  II.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  77 

Both  Gods  and  men  by  holiest  oaths  are  bound.      875 

Magnesia's  troops,  who  dwelt  by  Peneus'  stream, 
Or  beneath  Pelion's  leafy- qniv'ring  shades, 
Swift-footed  Prothous  led,  Tenthredon's  son  ; 
In  his  command  came  forty  dark-ribb'd  ships. 

These  were  the  leaders  and  the  chiefs  of  Greece  : 
Say,  Muse,  of  these,  who  with  th'  Atridse  came,     881 
Horses  and  men,  who  claim'd  the  highest  praise. 
Of  steeds,  the  bravest  and  the  noblest  far 
Were  those  Eumelus  drove,  Admetus'  son  : 
Both  swift  as  birds,  in  age  and  colour  match'd,       885 
Alike  in  height,  as  measur'd  o'er  the  back  ; 
Both  mares,  by  Phoebus  of  the  silver  bow 
Rear'd  in  Pieria,  thunderbolts  of  war. 
Of  men,  while  yet  Achilles  held  his  wrath, 
The  mightiest  far  was  Ajax  Telamon.  890 

For  with  Achilles,  and  the  steeds  that  bore 
The  matchless  son  of  Peleus,  none  might  vie  : 
But  'mid  his  beaked  ocean-going  ships 
He  lay,  with  Agamemnon,  Atreus'  son, 
Indignant ;  while  his  troops  upon  the  beach  895 

With  quoits  and  jav'lins  whil'd  away  the  day. 


78  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  IL 

And  feats  of  archery  ;  their  steeds  the  while 
The  lotus-grass  and  marsh-grown  parsley  cropp'd, 
Each  standing  near  their  car ;  the  well- wrought  cars 
Lay  all  unheeded  in  the  warriors'  tents  ;  900 

They,  inly  pining  for  their  godlike  chief, 
Roam'd  listless  up  and  down,  nor  join'd  the  fray. 

Such  was  the  host,  which,  like  devouring  fire, 
O'erspread  the  land  ;  the  earth  beneath  them  groan'd : 
As  when  the  Lord  of  thunder,  in  his  wrath,  905 

The  earth's  foundations  shakes,  in  Arimi, 
"Where,  buried  deep,  'tis  said,  Typhoeus  lies  ; 
So  at  their  coming,  groan'd  beneath  their  feet 
The  earth,  as  quickly  o'er  the  plain  they  spread. 

To  Troy,  sent  down  by  segis-bearing  Jove,  910 

With  direful  tidings  storm-swift  Iris  came. 
At  Priam's  gate,  in  solemn  conclave  met, 
Were  gather'd  all  the  Trojans,  young  and  old  : 
Swift  Iris  stood  amidst  them,  and,  the  voice 
Assuming  of  Polites,  Priam's  son,  915 

The  Trojan  scout,  who,  trusting  to  his  speed, 
Was  posted  on  the  summit  of  the  mound 
Of  ancient  .zEsuetes,  there  to  watch 


Book  It.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  79 

Till  from  their  ships  the  Grecian  troops  should  march  ; 
His  voice  assuming,  thus  the  Goddess  spoke  :         020 

"  Old  man,  as  erst  in  peace,  so  still  thou  lov'st 
The  strife  of  words  ;  but  fearful  war  is  nigh. 
Full  many  a  host  in  line  of  battle  rang'd 
My  eyes  have  seen  ;  but  such  a  force  as  this, 
So  mighty  and  so  vast,  I  ne'er  beheld  :  925 

In  number  as  the  leaves,  or  as  the  sand, 
Against  the  city  o'er  the  plain  they  come. 
Then,  Hector,  for  to  thee  I  chiefly  speak, 
This  do  ;  thou  know'st  how  various  our  allies, 
Of  diff'rent  nations  and  discordant  tongues  :  930 

Let  each  then  those  command  o'er  whom  he  reigns, 
And  his  own  countrymen  in  arms  array." 
She  said  ;  and  Hector  knew  the  voice  divine, 
And  all,  dissolv'd  the  council,  flew  to  arms, 
The  gates  were  open'd  wide  ;  forth  x>our'd  the  crowd, 
Both  foot  and  horse  ;  and  loud  the  tumult  rose.      930 

Before  the  city  stands  a  lofty  mound, 
In  the  mid  plain,  by  open  space  enclos'd  ; 
Men  call  it  Batirea  ;  but  the  Gods 
The  tomb  of  swift  Myrinna  ;  muster'd  there  940 


80  HOMER'S      ILIAD.  Book  II 

The  Trojans  and  Allies  their  troops  array'd. 
The  mighty  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm, 
The  son  of  Priam,  led  the  Trojan  host : 
The  largest  and  the  bravest  band  were  they, 
Bold  spearmen  all,  who  follow'd  him  in  arms.        045 
4       Anchises'  valiant  son,  _zEneas,  led 

The  Dardans  ;  him,  'mid  Ida's  jutting  peaks, 
Immortal  Yenus  to  Anchises  bore, 
A  Goddess  yielding  to  a  mortal's  love  : 
With  him,  well  skill'd  in  war,  Archilochus  950 

And  Acamas,  Antenor's  gallant  sons. 
Who  in  Zeleia  dwelt,  at  Ida's  foot, 
Of  Trojan  race,  a  wealthy  tribe,  who  drank 
Of  dark  ^Esepus'  waters,  these  were  led 
By  Pandarus,  Lycaon's  noble  son,  955 

Taught  by  Apollo's  self  to  draw  the  bow. 
WTio  from  Adraste,  and  Apeesus'  realm, 
From  Pityeia,  and  the  lofty  hill 
Tereian  came,  with  linen  corslets  girt, 
Adrastus  and  Amphius  led  ;  two  sons  960 

Of  Merops  of  Percote  ;  deeply  vers'd 
Was  he  in  prophecy ;  and  from  the  war 


BookIL  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  81 

Would  fain  have  kept  his  sons  ;  but  they,  by  fate, 
Doom'd  to  impending  death,  his  caution  scorn'd. 

Those  who  from  Practium  and  Pereote  came,     935 
And  who  in  Sestos  and  Abydos  dwelt, 
And  in  Arisba  fair  ;  those  Asius  led, . 
The  son  of  Hyrtacus,  of  heroes  chief ; 
Asius  the  son  of  Hyrtacus,  who  came 
From  fair  Arisba,  borne  by  fiery  steeds  970 

Of  matchless  size  and  strength,  from  Selles'  stream. 

Hippothous  led  the  bold  Pelasgian  tribes, 
"Who  dwell  in  rich  Larissa's  fertile  soil, 
Hippothous  and  Pylseus,  Lethus'  sons, 
The  son  of  Teutamus,  Pelasgian  chief.  975 

The  Thracians,  by  fast-flowing  Hellespont 
Encompass'd,  Acamas  and  Peirous  brave  ; 
The  spear-skill'd  Cicones  JEuphemus  led, 
Son  of  Trcezenus,  Ceus'  highborn  son. 

From  distant  Amydon  Pyrsecmes  brought  980 

The  Paeon  archers  from  broad  Axius'  banks  ; 
Axius,  the  brightest  stream  on  earth  that  flows. 

The  hairy  strength  of  great  Pylaemenes 
The  Paphlagonians  led  from  Eneti 


82  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  II 

X  ("Whence  first  appear'd  the  stubborn  race  of  mules), 
Who  in  Cytorus  and  in  Sesamum,  98G 

And  round  Parthenius'  waters  had  their  home  ; 
Who  dwelt  in  Cromne,  and  iEgialus, 
And  on  the  lofty  Erythinian  rock. 

By  Iiodius  and  Epistrophus  were  brought  990 

From  distant  Alybe,  the  wealthy  source 
Of  silver  ore,  the  Alizonian  bands. 

Chromis  the  Mysians  led,  and  Ennomus  ; 
A  skilful  augur,  but  his  augury 

From  gloomy  death  to  save  him  nought  avail'd ;    995 
Slain  by  the  son  of  Peleus,  in  the  stream, 
"Where  many  another  Trojan  felt  his  arm. 

From  far  Ascania's  lake,  with  Phorcys  join'd, 
The  godlike  presence  of  Ascanius  brought 
The  Phrygians,  dauntless  in  the  standing  fight.    1000 

From  Lydia  came  Pylasmenes'  two  sons, 
Born  of  the  lake  Gygeian  ;  Antiphus, 
And  Mesthles  ;  these  Maeonia's  forces  led, 
Who  dwelt  around  the  foot  of  Tmolus'  hill. 

In  charge  of  Pastes  came  the  Carian  troops,     1005 
Of  barbarous  speech  ;  who  in  Miletus  dwelt, 


Book  II.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  83 

And  in  the  dense  entangled  forest  shade 

Of  Phthira's  hill,  and  on  the  lofty  ridge 

Of  Mycale,  and  by  Masander's  stream  ; 

These  came  with  ISTastes  and  Amphimacns ;  1010 

Amphimacns  and  Nastes,  Nomion's  sons  ; 

With  childish  folly  to  the  war  he  came, 

Laden  with  store  of  gold  ;  yet  nought  avail'd 

His  gold  to  save  him  from  the  doom  of  death  ; 

Slain  by  the  son  of  Pelens  in  the  stream  ;  1015 

And  all  his  wealth  Achilles  bore  away. 

Sarpedon  last,  and  valiant  Glancns  led 
The  Lycian  bands,  from  distant  Lycia's  shore, 
Beside  the  banks  of  Xantlms'  eddying  stream.     1019 


NOTE. 

Line  253. — The  text  of  the  original  leaves  it  somewhat  in  doubt 
whether  the  anger  of  the  Greeks  were  directed  against  Thersite= 
or  Agamemnon.  I  believe  the  preponderance  of  authority,  ancient 
and  modern,  is  in  favour  of  the  former  interpretation  ;  but  the  lat- 
ter is  not  without  the  support  of  some  eminent  scholars,  and  after 
much  consideration  I  have  been  induced  to  adopt  it.  The  original 
represents  the  Greeks  as  filled  with  anger  and  resentment  against 
some  one.  Thersites  was  an  object  of  general  contempt,  but  he  had 
done  nothing  to  excite  those  feelings :  indeed,  apart  from  the  of- 
fensiveness  of  his  tone,  the  public  sympathy  was  with  him  ;  for  the 
army  was  deeply  dissatisfied,  and  resented  the  conduct  of  Aga- 
memnon against  Achilles,  mainly  perhaps  because  they  had  ceased 
to  be  enriched  with  the  plunder  of  his  successful  forays  (see  i.  202, 
and  ix.  387).  This  dissatisfaction  and  resentment  are  referred  to 
by  Neptune  (xiii.  126),  and  by  Agamemnon  himself  (xiv.  55).  They 
had  lately  manifested  themselves  in  the  alacrity  with  which  the 
whole  army  had  caught  at  the  insidious  suggestion  of  abandoning 
the  war ;  and,  just  before  the  second  assembly,  Thersites  avails 
himself  of  the  general  feeling,  constituting  himself  the  representa- 
tive of  a  popular  grievance,  to  vent  his  personal  spite  against 
Agamemnon.  Ulysses  saw  how  dangerous  such  a  display  might 
be  at  such  a  moment;  and  artfully  assuming  (line  281)  that  the 
feeling  was  confined  to  Thersites  alone  (though  in  his  subsequent 
speech,  line  335,  he  admits  and  excuses  the  general  discontent),  he 
proceeds  to  cut  short  its  expression  by  summary  chastisement. 
Thereupon  the  fickle  multitude,  "despite  their  anger"  (against 
Agamemnon),  cannot  refrain  from  laughing  at  the  signal  discom- 
fiture of  their  self-constituted  champion. 

This  view  is  very  fully  set  forth  in  a  note  on  the  passage 
appended  to  a  translation  of  the  Iliad  by  Mr.  Barter,  published  in 
1859,  but  which  I  have  only  seen  since  the  publication  of  this 
work. 


ARGUMENT. 

THE  DUEL  OF  MENELATJS  AND  PARIS. 

Tlie  armies  being  ready  to  engage,  a  single  combat  is  agreed  upon, 
between  Meneliins  and  Paris  (by  the  intervention  of  Hector)  for 
the  determination  of  the  war.  Iris  is  sent  to  call  Helen  to  be- 
hold the  fight.  She  leads  her  to  the  walls  of  Troy,  where  Priam 
sat  with  his  counsellors,  observing  the  Grecian  leaders  on  the 
plain  below,  to  whom  Helen  gives  an  account  of  the  chief  of 
them.  The  kings  on  either  part  take  the  solemn  oath  for  the 
conditions  of  the  combat.  The  duel  ensues,  wherein  Paris  being 
overcome,  is  snatched  away  in  a  cloud  by  Venus,  and  transported 
to  his  apartment.  She  then  calls  Helen  from  the  walls,  and 
brings  the  lovers  together.  Agamemnon,  on  the  part  of  the  Gre- 
cians, demands  the  restoration  of  Helen,  and  the  performance  of 
the  articles. 

The  three-and-twentieth  day  stfll  continues  throughout  this  book. 
The  scene  is  sometimes  in  the  field  before  Troy,  and  sometimes 
in  Troy  itself. 


Book  III.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  SI 


BOOK    III. 

TlTHElSr  by  their  sev'ral  chiefs  the  troops  were  rang'd, 

"With  noise  and  clamour,  as  a  flight  of  birds, 
The  men  of  Troy  advanc'd  ;  as  when  the  cranes, 
Flying  the  wintry  storms,  send  forth  on  high 
Their  dissonant  clamours,  while  o'er  the  ocean  stream  5 
They  steer  their  course,  and  on  their  pinions  bear 
Battle  and  death  to  the  Pygmsean  race. 

On  th'  other  side  the  Greeks  in  silence  mov'd, 
Breathing  firm  courage,  bent  on  mutual  aid. 
As  when  the  south  wind  o'er  the  mountain  tops       10 
Spreads  a  thick  veil  of  mist,  the  shepherd's  bane, 
And  friendly  to  the  nightly  thief  alone, 
That  a  stone's  throw  the  range  of  vision  bounds  ; 
So  rose  the  dust-cloud,  as  in  serried  ranks 
With  rapid  step  they  mov'd  across  the  plain.  15 

But  when  th'  opposing  forces  near  were  met, 
A  panther's  skin  across  his  shoulders  flung, 


88  HOMER'S    ILIAD.         Book  in 

Arm'd  with  his  bow  and  sword,  in  front  of  all 
Advanc'd  the  godlike  Paris  ;  in  his  hand 
He  pois'd  two  brass-tipp'd  jav'lins,  and  defied  20 

To  mortal  combat  all  the  chiefs  of  Greece. 

Him  when  the  warlike  Meneliius  saw 
"With  haughty  strides  advancing  from  the  crowd  ; 
As  when  a  lion,  Irnnger-pinch'd,  espies 
Some  mighty  beast  of  chase,  or  antler'd  stag,  25 

Or  mountain  goat,  and  with  exulting  spring 
Strikes  down  his  prey,  and  on  the  carcase  feeds, 
Unscar'd  by  baying  hounds  and  eager  youths  : 
So  Menelaus  saw  with  fierce  delight 
The  godlike  Paris  ;  for  he  deem'd  that  now  30 

His  vengeance  was  at  hand  ;  and  from  his  car, 
Arm'd  as  he  was,  he  leap'd  upon  the  plain. 
But  when  the  godlike  Paris  saw  him  spring 
Defiant  from  the  ranks,  with  quailing  heart, 
Back  to  his  comrades'  shelt'ring  crowd  he  sprang,    35 
In  fear  of  death  ;  as  when  some  trav'ller  sjries, 
Coil'd  in  his  path  upon  the  mountain  side, 
A  deadly  snake,  back  he  recoils  in  haste, 
ITis  limbs  all  trembling,  and  his  cheek  all  pale  ; 


Hook  III.        HOMER'S     ILIAD.  89 

So  back  recoil'd,  in  fear  of  Atreus'  son,  40 

The  godlike  Paris  'mid  the  Trojan  host. 

To  whom  in  stern  rebuke  thus  Hector  spoke  : 
"  Thou  wretched  Paris,  though  in  form  so  fair, 
Thou  slave  of  woman,  manhood's  counterfeit ! 
"Would  thou  hadst  ne'er  been  born,  or  died  at  least  45 
Unwedded ;  so  'twere  better  far  for  all, 
Than  thus  to  live  a  scandal  and  reproach. 
"Well  may  the  long-hair'd  Greeks  triumphant  boast, 
Who  think  thee,  from  thine  outward  show,  a  chief 
Among  our  warriors  ;  but  thou  hast  in  truth  50 

Nor  strength  of  mind,  nor  courage  in  the  fight. 
How  was't  that  such  as  thou  could  e'er  induce 
A  noble  band,  in  ocean-going  ships 
To  cross  the  main,  with  men  of  other  lands 
Mixing  in  amity,  and  bearing  thence  55 

A  woman,  fair  of  face,  by  marriage  ties 
Bound  to  a  race  of  warriors  ;  to  thy  sire, 
Thy  state,  thy  people,  cause  of  endless  grief, 
Of  triumph  to  thy  foes,  contempt  to  thee  ! 
Durst  thou  the  warlike  Menelaus  meet,  60 

Thou  to  thy  cost  shouldst  learn  the  might  of  him 


90  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.        Book  IIL 

"Whose  bride  thou  didst  not  fear  to  bear  away : 
Then  shouldst  thou  find  of  small  avail  thy  lyre, 
Or  Yenus'  gifts  of  beauty  and  of  grace, 
Or,  trampled  in  the  dust,  thy  flowing  hair.  65 

But  too  forbearing  are  the  men  of  Troy ; 
Else  for  the  ills  that  thou  hast  wrought  the  state, 
Ere  now  thy  body  had  in  stone  been  cas'd." 
To  whom  the  godlike  Paris  thus  replied  : 
"  Hector,  I  needs  must  own  thy  censure  just,  70 

Nor  without  cause  ;  thy  dauntless  courage  knows 
1ST  or  pause  nor  weariness  ;  but  as  an  axe, 
That  in  a  strong  man's  hand,  who  fashions  out 
Some  naval  timber,  with  unbated  edge 
Cleaves  the  firm  wood,  and  aids  the  striker's  force  ;   75 
Ev'n  so  unwearied  is  thy  warlike  soul. 
Yet  blame  not  me  for  golden  Yenus'  gifts  : 
The  gifts  of  Heav'n  are  not  to  be  despis'd, 
Which  Heav'n  may  give,  but  man  could  not  command. 
But  if  thou  wilt  that  I  should  dare  the  fight,  80 

Bid  that  the  Trojans  and  the  Grecians  all 
Be  seated  on  the  ground  ;  and  in  the  midst 
The  warlike  Menelaus  and  myself 


Book  HI.        HOMER'S     ILIAD.  91 

Stand  front  to  front,  for  Helen  and  the  spoils 

Of  war  to  combat ;  and  whoe'er  shall  prove     .        S5 

The  better  man  in  conflict,  let  him  bear 

The  woman  and  the  spoils  in  triumph  home  ; 

While  ye,  the  rest,  in  peace  and  friendship  sworn, 

Shall  still  possess  the  fertile  plains  of  Troy  ; 

And  to  their  native  Argos  they  return,  90 

Eor  noble  steeds  and  lovely  women  fam'd." 

He  said,  and  Hector  joy'd  to  hear  his  words  : 
Forth  in  tbe  midst  he  stepp'd,  and  with  his  spear 
Grasp'd  by  the  middle,  stay'd  the  Trojan  ranks. 
At  him  the  long-haired  Grecians  bent  their  bows,    95 
Prompt  to  assail  with  arrows  and  with  stones ; 
But  loud  the  monarch  Agamemnon's  voice 
Was  heard ;  "  Hold,  Argives,  hold !  ye  sons  of  Greece, 
Shoot  not !  for  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm 
Hath,  as  it  seems,  some  message  to  impart."  100 

He  said  ;  they  held  their  hands,  and  silent  stood 
Expectant,  till  to  both  thus  Hector  spoke  : 
"  Hear  now,  ye  Trojans,  and  ye  well-greav'd  Greeks, 
The  words  of  Paris,  cause  of  all  this  war. 
He  asks  through  me  that  all  the  host  of  Troy         105 


92  HOMER'S     ILIAD.        Book  IIL 

And  Grecian  warriors  shall  upon  the  ground 

Lay  down  their  glitt'ring  arms  ;  while  in  the  midst 

The  warlike  Meneliius  and  himself 

Stand  front  to  front,  for  Helen  and  the  spoils 

Of  war  to  combat ;  and  whoe'er  shall  prove  110 

The  better  man  in  conflict,  let  him  bear 

The  woman  and  the  spoils  in  triumph  home, 

While  we,  the  rest,  firm  peace  and  friendship  swear." 

Thus  Hector  spoke  ;  the  rest  in  silence  heard  ; 
But  Menelaus,  bold  in  fight,  replied  :  115 

"  Hear  now  my  answer ;  in  this  quarrel  I 
May  claim  the  chiefest  share  ;  and  now  I  hope 
Trojans  and  Greeks  may  see  the  final  close 
Of  all  the  labours  ye  so  long  have  borne 
T'  avenge  my  wrong,  at  Paris'  hand  sustain'd.        120 
And  of  us  two  whiche'er  is  doom'd  to  death, 
So  let  him  die  !  the  rest,  depart  in  peace. 
Bring  then  two  lambs,  one  white,  the  other  black, 
For  Tellus  and  for  Sol ;  we  on  our  part 
Will  bring  another,  for  Satnrnian  Jove  :  125 

And  let  the  majesty  of  Priam  too 
Appear,  himself  to  consecrate  our  oaths, 


Book  in.         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  93 

(For  reckless  are  liis  sons,  and  void  of  faith,) 

That  none  Jove's  oath  may  dare  to  violate. 

For  young  men's  spirits  are  too  quickly  stirr'd  ;     1 30 

But  in  the  councils  check'd  by  rev'rend  age, 

Alike  are  weigh'd  the  future  and  the  past, 

And  for  all  int'rests  due  provision  made." 

He  said,  and  Greeks  and  Trojans  gladly  heard, 
In  hopes  of  respite  from  the  weary  war.  135 

They  rang'd  the  cars  in  ranks  ;  and  they  themselves 
Descending  doff'd  their  arms,  and  laid  them  down 
Close  each  by  each,  with  narrow  space  between. 
Two  heralds  to  the  city  Hector  sent 
To  bring  the  lambs,  and  aged  Priam  call ;  140 

"While  Agamemnon  to  the  hollow  ships, 
Their  lamb  to  bring,  in  haste  Talthybius  sent  : 
He  heard,  and  straight  the  monarch's  voice  obey'd. 

Meantime  to  white-arm'd  Helen  Iris  sped, 
The  heav'nly  messenger  :  in  form  she  seem'd        145 
Her  husband's  sister,  whom  Antenor's  son, 
The  valiant  Helicaon  had  to  wife, 
Laodice,  of  Priam's  daughters  all 
Loveliest  of  face  :  she  in  her  chamber  found 


94  HOIEE'S     ILIAD.         Book  IIL 

Her  whom  she  sought :  a  mighty  web  she  wove,  150 

Of  double  woof  and  brilliant  hues  ;  whereon 

Was  interwoven  many  a  toilsome  strife 

Of  Trojan  warriors  and  of  brass-clad  Greeks, 

For  her  encounter'd  at  the  hand  of  Mars. 

Beside  her  Iris  stood,  and  thus  she  spoke  :  155 

'•'  Come,  sister  dear,  and  see  the  glorious  deeds 

Of  Trojan  warriors  and  of  brass-clad  Greeks. 

They  who  ere  while,  impatient  for  the  fight, 

Roll'd  o'er  the  plain  the  woful  tide  of  war, 

!Now  silent  sit,  the  storm  of  battle  hush'd,  160 

Reclining  on  their  shields,  their  lances  bright 

Beside  them  reared  ;  while  Paris  in  the  midst 

And  warlike  Menelaus,  stand  prepar'd 

With  the  long  spear  for  thee  to  fight ;  thyself 

The  prize  of  conquest  and  the  victor's  wife."  165 

Thus  as  she  spoke,  in  Helen's  breast  arose 
Fond  recollection  of  her  former  Lord, 
Her  home,  and  parents  ;  o'er  her  head  she  threw 
A  snowy  veil ;  and  shedding  tender  tears 
She  issu'd  forth,  not  unaccompanied  ;  170 

For  with  her  went  fair  JEthra,  Pittheus'  child 


book  ill.        HOMER'S     ILIAD.  95 

And  stag-ey'd  Clymene,  her  maidens  twain. 
They  quickly  at  the  Sccean  gate  arriv'd. 

Attending  there  on  aged  Priam,  sat, 
The  Elders  of  the  city  ;  Panthous,  175 

And  Lampus,  and  Tlrymsetes  ;  Clytius, 
Bold  Icetaon,  and  Ucalegon, 
"With  sage  Antenor,  wise  in  council  both  : 
All  these  were  gather'd  at  the  Screan  gate  ; 
By  age  exempt  from  war,  but  in  discourse  180 

Abundant,  as  the  cricket,  that  on  high 
From  topmost  boughs  of  forest  tree  sends  forth 
His  delicate  music  ;  so  on  Ilium's  tow'rs 
Sat  the  sage  chiefs  and  councillors  of  Troy. 
Helen  they  saw,  as  to  the  tow'r  she  came  ;  185 

And  "  'tis  no  marvel,"  one  to  other  said, 
"  The  valiant  Trojans  and  the  well-greav'd  Greeks 
For  beauty  such  as  this  should  long  endure 
The  toils  of  war  ;  for  goddess-like  she  seems  ; 
And  yet,  despite  her  beauty,  let  her  go,  190 

Nor  bring  on  us  and  on  our  sons  a  curse." 

Thus  they  ;  but  aged  Priam  Helen  call'd  : 
"  Come  here,  my  child,  and  sitting  by  my  side, 


96  IIOMEE'S     ILIAD.         Book  IIL 

From  whence  thou  canst  discern  thy  former  Lord, 
His  kindred,  and  thy  friends  (not  thee  I  blame,       195 
But  to  the  Gods  I  owe  this  woful  war), 
Tell  me  the  name  of  yonder  mighty  chief 
Among  the  Greeks  a  warrior  brave  and  strong : 
Others  in  height  surpass  him  ;  but  my  eyes 
A  form  so  noble  never  yet  beheld,  200 

Nor  so  august ;  he  moves,  a  King  indeed !" 

To  whom  in  answer,  Helen,  heav'nly  fair  : 
"  With  rev'rence,  dearest  father,  and  with  shame 
I  look  on  thee :  oh  would  that  I  had  died 
That  day  when  hither  with  thy  son  I  came,  205 

And  left  my  husband,  friends,  and  darling  child, 
And  all  the  lov'd  companions  of  my  youth  : 
That  I  died  not,  with  grief  I  pine  away. 
But  to  thy  question  ;  I  will  tell  thee  true  ; 
Yon  chief  is  Agamemnon,  Atreus'  son,  210 

"Wide-reigning,  mighty  monarch,  ruler  good, 
And  valiant  warrior;  in  my  husband's  name, 
Lost  as  I  am,  I  call'd  him  brother  once." 

She  spoke  :  th'  old  man  admiring  gaz'd,  and  cried, 
"  Oh  bless'd  Atrides,  child  of  happy  fate,  215 


Cook  III.        HOMER'S     ILIAD.  97 

Favour'd  of  Heav'n  !  how  many  noble  Greeks 

Obey  thy  rule  !     In  vine-clad  Phrygia  once 

I  saw  the  hosts  of  Phrygian  warriors  wheel 

Their  rapid  steeds;  and  with  them,  all  the  bands 

Of  Otreus,  and  of  Mygdon,  godlike  King,  22<. 

Who  lay  encamp'd  beside  Sangarius'  stream  : 

I  too  with  them  was  number'd,  in  the  day 

When  met  them  in  the  field  the  Amazons, 

The  woman-warriors ;  but  their  forces  all 

Reach'd  not  the  number  of  the  keen-ey'd  Greeks."  225 

Ulysses  next  the  old  man  saw,  and  ask'd, 
"  Tell  me  again,  dear  child,  who  this  may  be, 
In  stature  less  than  Atreus'  royal  son, 
But  broader-shoulder'd,  and  of  ampler  chest. 
His  arms  are  laid  upon  the  fertile  plain,  230 

But  he  himself  is  moving  through  the  ranks, 
Inspecting,  like  a  full-fleec'd  ram,  that  moves 
Majestic  through  a  flock  of  snow-white  ewes." 

To  whom  Jove's  offspring,  Helen,  thus  replied : 

"The  wise  Ulysses  that,  Laertes'  son  :  235 

Though  bred  in  rugged  Ithaca,  yet  vers'd 

[n  ev'ry  stratagem,  and  deep  device." 

vol.  i.  n 


98  HOMER'S      ILIAD.        Book  III. 

"  O  woman,"  then  the  sage  Antenor  said, 

"  Of  these  thy  words  I  can  the  truth  avouch  ; 

For  hither  when  on  thine  account  to  treat,  240 

Brave  Menelaus  and  Ulysses  came, 

I  lodg'd  them  in  my  house,  and  lov'd  them  both, 

And  studied  well  the  form  and  mind  of  each. 

As  they  with  Trojans  mix'd  in  social  guise, 

When  both  were  standing,  o'er  his  comrade  high  245 

With  broad-set  shoulders  Menelaus  stood  ; 

Seated,  Ulysses  was  the  nobler  form : 

Then,  in  the  great  Assembly,  when  to  all 

Their  public  speech  and  argument  they  fram'd, 

In  fluent  language  Menelaus  spoke,  250 

In  words  though  few,  yet  clear ;  though  young  in  years, 

No  wordy  babbler,  wasteful  of  his  speech  : 

But  when  the  skill' d  Ulysses  rose  to  speak, 

With  down-cast  visage  would  he  stand,  his  eyes 

Bent  on  the  ground  ;  the  staff  he  bore,  nor  back    255 

He  wav'd,  nor  forward,  but  like  one  untaught, 

He  held  it  motionless  ;  who  only  saw 

Would  say  that  he  was  mad,  or  void  of  sense  ; 

But  when  his  chest  its  deep-ton'd  voice  sent  forth, 


Book  III.        HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  99 

With  words  that  fell  like  flakes  of  wintry  snow,     260 
No  mortal  with  Ulysses  could  compare  : 
Then  little  reck'd  we  of  his  outward  show." 

At  sight  of  Ajax  next  th'  old  man  enquir'd  ; 
"Who  is  yon  other  warrior,  brave  and  strong, 
Tow'ring  o'er  all  with  head  and  shoulders  broad  V  265 

To  whom,  in  answer,  Helen,  heav'nly  fair : 
"  Gigantic  Ajax  that,  the  prop  of  Greece; 
And  by  his  side  Idomeneus  of  Crete 
Stands  godlike,  circled  round  by  Cretan  chiefs. 
The  warlike  Menelaus  welcom'd  him  270 

Oft  in  our  palace,  when  from  Crete  he  came. 
Now  all  the  other  keen-ey'd  Greeks  I  see, 
Whom  once  I  knew,  and  now  could  call  by  name  ; 
But  two  I  miss,  two  captains  of  the  host, 
My  own  two  brethren,  and  my  mother's  sons,         275 
Castor  and  Pollux  ;  Castor,  charioteer 
Unrivalled,  Pollux,  matchless  pugilist. 
In  Laeedsemon  have  they  stay'd  behind  ? 
Or  can  it  be,  in  ocean-going  ships 
That  they  have  come  indeed,  but  shun  to  join        2S0 
The  fight  of  warriors,  fearful  of  the  shame, 


100  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.         Book  III. 

And  deep  disgrace  that  on  my  name  attend  ? " 
Thus  she  ;  but  they  beneath  the  teeming  earth 
In  Lacedsemon  lay,  their  native  land. 

Meanwhile  the  heralds  through  the  city  bore      285 
The  treaty  off  rings  to  the  Gods  ;  the  lambs, 
And  genial  wine,  the  produce  of  the  soil, 
In  goat-skin  flasks  :  therewith  a  flagon  bright, 
And  cups  of  gold,  Idseus  brought,  and  stood 
Beside  the  aged  King,  as  thus  he  spoke  :  290 

"  Son  of  Laomedon,  arise  !  the  chiefs 
Of  Trojan  warriors  and  of  brass-clad  Greeks 
Call  for  thy  presence  on  the  battle-plain 
To  swear  a  truce  ;  where  Paris  in  the  midst 
And  warlike  Menelaus  stand  prepar'd  '295 

Wi  th  the  long  spear  for  Helen  and  the  spoils 
Of  war  to  combat,  that  whoe'er  may  prove 
The  better  man  in  fight,may  bear  away 
The  woman  and  the  spoils  in  triumph  home ; 
While  we,  the  rest,  in  peace  and  friendship  sworn,  300 
Shall  still  possess  the  fertile  plains  of  Troy ; 
And  to  their  native  Argos  they  return, 
For  noble  steeds  and  lovely  women  fam'd." 


Book  III.        HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  101 

He  said  ;  the  old  man  shuddered  at  his  words : 
But  to  his  comrades  gave  command  forthwith         305 
To  joke  his  car ;  and  they  his  word  obey'd. 
Priam,  ascending,  gather' d  up  the  reins, 
And  with  Antenor  by  his  side,  the  twain 
Drove  through  the  Scasan  gate  their  flying  steeds. 

But  when  between  th'  opposing  ranks  they  came, 
Alighting  from  the  car,  they  mov'd  on  foot  311 

Between  the  Trojan  and  the  Grecian  hosts. 
Uprose  then  Agamemnon,  King  of  men, 
Uprose  the  sage  Ulysses ;  to  the  front 
The  heralds  brought  the  off 'rings  to  the  Gods,      315 
And  in  the  flagon  mix'd  the  wine,  and  pour'd 
The  hallowing  water  on  the  monarchs'  hands. 
His  dagger  then  the  son  of  Atreus  drew, 
Suspended,  as  was  wont,  beside  the  hilt 
Of  his  great  sword  ;  and  from  the  victim's  head     320 
He  cut  the  sacred  lock,  which  to  the  chiefs 
Of  Troy  and  Greece  the  heralds  portion'd  out. 
Then  with  uplifted  hands  he  pray'd  aloud  : 
"  O  Father  Jove  !  who  rul'st  from  Ida's  height,     324 
Most  great !  most  glorious  !  and  thou  Sun,  who  see'st 


102  HOMEK'S      ILIAD.         Book  IIL 

And  nearest  all  things  !  Eivers  !  and  thou  Earth  ! 

And  ye,  who  after  death  beneath  the  earth 

Your  vengeance  wreak  on  souls  of  men  forsworn, 

Be  witness  ye,  and  this  our  cov'nant  guard. 

If  Meneliius  fall  by  Paris'  hand,  330 

Let  him  retain  both  Helen  and  the  spoil, 

While  in  our  ships  we  take  our  homeward  way  ; 

If  Paris  be  by  Menelaus  slain, 

Troy  shall  surrender  Helen  and  the  spoil, 

"With  compensation  due  to  Greece,  that  so  335 

A  record  may  to  future  days  remain. 

But,  Paris  slain,  if  Priam  and  his  sons 

The  promis'd  compensation  shall  withhold, 

Then  here,  my  rights  in  battle  to  assert, 

Will  I  remain,  till  I  the  end  achieve."  340 

Thus  as  he  spoke,  across  the  victims'  throats 
He  drew  the  pitiless  blade,  and  on  the  ground 
He  laid  them  gasping,  as  the  stream  of  life 
Pour'cl  forth,  their  vigour  by  the  blade  subdued. 
Then,  from  the  flagon  drawn,  from  out  the  cups    345 
The  wine  they  pour'd ;  and  to  th'  eternal  Gods 
They  pray'd ;  and  thus  from  Trojans  and  from  Greeks 


Book  in.       HOMER'S     ILIAD.  103 

Arose  the  joint  petition  ;  "  Grant,  O  Jove ! 
Most  great !  most  glorious  !  grant,  ye  heav'nly  pow'rs, 
That  whosoe'er  this  solemn  truce  shall  break,        350 
Ev'n  as  this  wine  we  pom',  their  hearts'  best  blood, 
Theirs  and  their  children's,  on  the  earth  be  pour'd, 
And  strangers  in  subjection  take  their  wives !  " 

Thus  they ;  but  Jove,  unyielding,  heard  their  pray'r. 
The  rites  perform'd,  then  aged  Priam  spoke  :         355 
"  Hear  me,  ye  Trojans,  and  ye  well-greav'd  Greeks ! 
To  Ilium's  breezy  heights  I  now  withdraw, 
For  that  mine  eyes  will  not  endure  the  sight 
Of  warlike  Menelaus  and  my  son 
Engag'd  in  deadly  combat ;  of  the  two  360 

"Which  may  be  doom'd  to  death,  is  only  known 
To  Jove,  and  to  th'  immortal  pow'rs  of  Heav'n." 

Thus  spoke  the  godlike  King  ;  and  on  the  car 
He  plac'd  the  consecrated  lambs  ;  himself 
Ascending  then,  he  gather'd  up  the  reins,  365 

And  with  Antenor  by  his  side,  the  twain 
To  Ilium's  walls  retrac'd  their  homeward  way. 

Then  Hector,  son  of  Priam,  measur'd  out, 
With  sage  Ulysses  join'd,  th'  allotted  space  ; 


104  HOMEK'S    ILIAD.         Book  HI 

ISText,  in  the  brass-bound  helmet  cast  the  lots,         370 
"Which  of  the  two  the  first  should  throw  the  spear. 
The  crowd,  with  hands  uplifted,  to  the  Gods, 
Trojans  and  Greeks  alike,  address'd  their  pray'r: 
"  0  Father  Jove  !  who  rul'st  from  Ida's  height, 
Most  great !  most  glorious  !  grant  that  whosoe'er   375 
On  both  our  armies  hath  this  turmoil  brought 
May  undergo  the  doom  of  death,  and  we, 
The  rest,  firm  peace  and  lasting  friendship  swear." 

Thus  they  ;  great  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm, 
"With  eyes  averted,  shook  the  casque  ;  and  forth     380 
"Was  cast  the  lot  of  Paris ;  on  the  ground 
The  rest  lay  down  by  ranks,  where  near  to  each 
Were  rang'd  his  active  steeds,  and  glitt'ring  arms. 
Then  o'er  his  shoulders  fair-hair'd  Helen's  Lord, 
The  godlike  Paris,  donn'd  his  armour  bright  :  385 

First  on  his  legs  the  well- wrought  greaves  he  fix'd, 
Fasten'd  with  silver  clasps ;  his  ample  chest 
A  breastplate  guarded,  by  Lycaon  lent, 
His  brother,  but  which  fitted  well  his  form. 
Around  his  shoulders  slung,  his  sword  he  bore,      390 
Brass-bladed,  silver-studded  ;  then  his  shield 


BookIII.         HOMER'S    ILIAD.  105 

Weighty  and  strong  ;  and  on  his  firm-set  head 
A  helm  he  wore,  well  wrought,  with  horsehair  plume 
That  nodded,  fearful,  o'er  his  "brow  ;  his  hand 
Grasp'd  the  firm  spear,  familiar  to  his  hold.  395 

Prepar'd  alike  the  adverse  warrior  stood. 

They,  from  the  crowd  apart  their  armour  donn'd, 
Came  forth  :  and  each,  with  eyes  of  mutual  hate, 
Regarded  each  :  admirinsr  wonder  seiz'd 
The  Trojan  warriors  and  the  well-greav'd  Greeks,  400 
As  in  the  centre  of  the  measur'd  ground 
They  stood  oppos'd,  and  pois'd  their  quiv'ring  spears. 
First  Paris  threw  his  weighty  spear,  and  struck 
Fair  in  the  midst  Atrides'  buckler  round, 
But  broke  not  through ;  upon  the  stubborn  targe  405 
Was  bent  the  lance's  point ;  then  thus  to  Jove, 
His  weapon  hurling,  Menelaus  pray'd : 
"  Great  King,  on  him  who  wrought  me  causeless  wrong, 
On  Paris,  grant  that  retribution  due 
My  arm  may  bring  ;  that  men  in  days  to  come       410 
May  fear  their  host  to  injure,  and  repay 
With  treach'rous  wile  his  hospitable  cares." 

He  said,  and  poising,  hurl'd  his  weighty  spear  : 


106  HOMER'S      ILIAD.         Book  III. 

Full  in  the  midst  it  struck  the  buckler  round  ;       414 
Right  through  the  buckler  pass'd  the  sturdy  spear, 
And  through  the  gorgeous  breastplate,  and  within 
Cut  through  the  linen  vest ;  but  Paris,  back 
Inclining,  stoop'd,  and  shunn'd  the  doom  of  death. 

Atrides  then  his  silver-studded  sword 
Rearing  on  high,  a  mighty  blow  let  fall  420 

On  Paris'  helm  ;  but  shiv'ring  in  his  hand 
In  countless  fragments  flew  the  faithless  blade. 
Then  thus  to  Jove,  with  eyes  uplift  to  Ileav'n, 
Atrides  made  his  moan  :  "  O  Father  Jove  ! 
Of  all  the  Gods,  the  most  unfriendly  thou  !  425 

On  Paris'  head  I  hop'd  for  all  his  crimes 
To  wreak  my  vengeance  due  ;  but  in  my  grasp 
My  faithless  sword  is  shatter'd,  and  my  spear 
Hath  bootless  left  my  hand,  nor  reached  my  foe." 
Then  onward  rushing,  by  the  horsehair  plume        430 
He  seiz'd  his  foeman's  helm,  and  wrenching  round 
Dragg'd  by  main  force  amid  the  well-greav'd  Greeks. 
The  broider'd  strap,  that,  pass'd  beneath  his  beard, 
The  helmet  held,  the  warrior's  throat  compress'd  : 
Then  had  Atrides  dragg'd  him  from  the  field,         435 


book  III.        HOMER'S    ILIAD.  107 

And  endless  fame  acquir'd ;  but  Yenus,  child 

Of  Jove,  her  fav'rite's  peril  quickly  saw, 

A.nd  broke  the  throttling  strap  of  tough  bull's  hide. 

In  the  broad  hand  the  empty  helm  remained. 

The  trophy,  by  their  champion  whirl'd  amid       440 

The  well-greav'd  Greeks,  his  eager  comrades  seiz'd ; 

While  he,  infuriate,  rush'd  with  murd'rous  aim 

On  Priam's  son  ;  but  him,  the  Queen  of  Love 

(As  Gods  can  only)  from  the  field  convey'd, 

Wrapt  in  a  misty  cloud  ;  and  on  a  couch,  445 

Sweet  perfumes  breathing,  gently  laid  him  down  ; 

Then  went  in  search  of  Helen  ;  her  she  found, 

Circled  with  Trojan  dames,  on  Ilium's  tow'r  : 

Her  by  her  airy  robe  the  Goddess  held, 

And  in  the  likeness  of  an  aged  dame  450 

Who  oft  for  her,  in  Sparta  when  she  dwelt, 

Many  a  fair  fleece  had  wrought,  and  lov'd  her  well, 

Address'd  her  thus  :  "  Come,  Helen,  to  thy  house  ; 

Come,  Paris  calls  thee ;  in  his  chamber  he 

Expects  thee,  resting  on  luxurious  couch,  455 

In  costly  garb,  with  manly  beauty  grac'd  : 

Not  from  the  fight  of  warriors  wouldst  thou  deem 


108  HOMER'S      ILIAD.         Book  in. 

• 

He  late  had  come,  but  for  the  dance  prepar'd, 
Or  resting  from  the  dance's  pleasing  toil." 

She  said,  and  Helen's  spirit  within  her  mov'd  ;  460 
And  when  she  saw  the  Goddess'  beauteous  neck, 
Her  lovely  bosom,  and  her  glowing  eyes, 
She  gaz'd  in  wonder,  and  address'd  her  thus  : 
"  Oh  why,  great  Goddess,  make  me  thus  thy  sport  ? 
Seek'st  thou  to  bear  me  far  away  from  hence  465 

To  some  fair  Phrygian  or  Mseonian  town, 
If  there  some  mortal  have  thy  favour  gain'd  ? 
Or,  for  that  Menelaus  in  the  field 
Hath  vanquish'd  Paris,  and  is  willing  yet 
That  I,  his  bane,  should  to  his  home  return ;  470 

Here  art  thou  found,  to  weave  again  thy  wiles  ! 
Go  then  thyself !  thy  godship  abdicate  ! 
Renounce  Olympus  !  lavish  here  on  him 
Thy  pity  and  thy  care  !  he  may  perchance 
Make  thee  his  wife — at  least  his  paramour  !        475 
But  thither  go  not  I !  foul  shame  it  were 
Again  to  share  his  bed  ;  the  dames  of  Troy 
Will  for  a  byword  hold  me  ;  and  e'en  now 
My  soul  with  endless  sorrow  is  possess'd." 


Book  III.         HOMEK'S      ILIAD.  109 

To  whom  in  anger  heav'nly  Yenus  spoke  :  480 

"  Incense  me  not,  poor  fool !  lest  I  in  wrath 
Desert  thee  quite,  and  as  I  heretofore 
Have  lov'd,  so  make  thee  object  of  my  hate  ; 
And  kindle,  'twixt  the  Trojans  and  the  Greeks, 
Such  bitter  feuds,  as  both  shall  wreak  on  thee."  485 

She  said ;  and  trembled  Helen,  child  of  Jove ; 
She  rose  in  silence ;  in  a  snow-white  veil 
All  glitt'ring,  shrouded  ;  by  the  Goddess  led 
She  pass'd,  unnotic'd  by  the  Trojan  dames. 
But  when  to  Paris'  splendid  house  they  came,     490 
Thronging  around  her,  her  attendants  gave 
Their  duteous  service ;  through  the  lofty  hall 
With  queenly  grace  the  godlike  woman  pass'd. 
A  seat  the  laughter-loving  Goddess  plac'd 
By  Paris'  side  ;  there  Helen  sat,  the  child  495 

Of  aegis-bearing  Jove,  with  downcast  eyes, 
Yet  with  sharp  words  she  thus  address'd  her  Lord  : 
"  Back  from  the  battle  ?  would  thou  there  hadst  died 
Beneath  a  warrior's  arm,  whom  once  I  call'd 
My  husband  !  vainly  didst  thou  boast  ere  while      500 
Thine  arm,  thy  dauntless  courage,  and  thy  spear 


110  HOMER'S     ILIAD.        Book  in 

The  warlike  Menelaus  should  subdue  ! 

Go  now  again,  and  challenge  to  the  fight 

The  warlike  Menelaus.     Be  thou  ware  ! 

I  warn  thee,  pause,  ere  madly  thou  presume      505 

With  fair-hair'd  Menelaus  to  contend  ! 

Soon  shouldst  thou  fall  beneath  his  conqu'ring  spear." 

To  whom  thus  Paris  :  "  Wring  not  thus  my  soul 
With  keen  reproaches  :  now,  with  Pallas'  aid, 
Hath  Menelaus  conquer'd ;  but  my  day  510 

Will  come :  I  too  can  boast  my  guardian  Gods. 
But  turn  we  now  to  love,  and  love's  delights  ; 
For  never  did  thy  beauty  so  inflame 
My  sense  ;  not  when  from  Lacedsemon  first 
I  bore  thee  in  my  ocean-going  ships,  515 

And  revell'd  in  thy  love  on  Cranae's  isle, 
As  now  it  fills  my  soul  with  fond  desire." 

He  said,  and  led  her  to  the  nuptial  couch ; 
Her  Lord  she  folio w'd ;  and  while  there  reclin'd 
Upon  the  richly-inlaid  couch  they  lay,  520 

Atrides,  like  a  lion  baffled,  rush'd 
Amid  the  crowd,  if  haply  he  might  find 
The  godlike  Paris  ;  but  not  one  of  all 


Book  III.  HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  Ill 

The  Trojans  and  their  brave  allies  could  aid 
The  warlike  Menelaus  in  his  search  ;  525 

Not  that,  for  love,  would  any  one  that  knew 
Have  screen'd  him  from  his  anger,  for  they  all 
Abhorr'd  him  as  the  shade  of  death  :  then  thus 
Outspoke  great  Agamemnon,  King  of  men  : 
"  Hear  me,  ye  Trojans,  Dardans,  and  Allies  !         530 
"With  warlike  Menelaus  rests,  'tis  plain, 
The  prize  of  vict'ry :  then  surrender  ye 
The  Argive  Helen  and  the  spoils  of  war, 
"With  compensation  due  to  Greece,  that  so 
A  record  may  to  future  days  remain."  535 

Thus  he ;  the  Greeks,  assenting,  cheer'd  his  words. 


ARGUMENT. 

THE  BREACH  OP  THE  TRUCE,  AND  THE  FIRST  BATTLE. 

The  Gods  deliberate  in  council  concerning  the  Trojan  war:  they 
agree  upon  the  continuation  of  it,  and  Jupiter  sends  down  Min- 
erva to  break  the  truce.  She  persuades  Pandarus  to  aim  an  arrow 
at'Meneliius,  who  is  wounded,  but  cured  by  Machaon.  In  the 
mean  time  some  of  the  Trojan  troops  attack  the  Greeks.  Aga- 
memnon is  distinguished  in  all  the  parts  of  a  good  general ;  he 
reviews  the  troops,  and  exhorts  the  leaders,  some  by  praises,  and 
others  by  reproofs.  Nestor  is  particularly  celebrated  for  his 
military  discipline.  The  battle  joius,  and  great  numbers  are 
slain  on  both  sides. 

The  same  day  continues  through  this,  as  through  the  last  book  ;  as 
it  does  also  through  the  two  following,  and  almost  to  the  end  of 
the  seventh  book.    The  scene  is  wholly  in  the  field  before  Troy. 


uookIV.  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  115 


BOOK     IV. 

/"YN  golden  pavement,  round  the  board  of  Jove, 

The  Gods  were  gather'd ;  Hebe  in  the  midst 
Pour'd  the  sweet  nectar;  they,  in  golden  cups, 
Each  other  pledg'd,  as  down  they  look'd  on  Troy. 
Then- Jove,  with  cutting  words  and  taunting  tone,     5 
Began  the  wrath  of  Juno  to  provoke  : 
"  Two  Goddesses  for  Menelaus  fight, 
Thou,  Juno,  Queen  of  Argos,  and  with  thee 
Minerva,  shield  of  warriors  ;  but  ye  two 
Sitting  aloof,  well-pleased  it  seems,  look  on ;  10 

While  laughter-loving  Yenus,  at  the  side 
Of  Paris  standing,  still  averts  his  fate, 
And  rescues,  when,  as  now,  expecting  death. 
To  warlike  Menelaus  we  decree, 
Of  right,  the  vict'ry  ;  but  consult  we  now  15 

What  may  the  issue  be ;  if  we  shall  light 
Again  the  flame  of  war  and  discord  fierce, 


116  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.         Book  IV. 

Or  the  two  sides  in  peace  and  friendship  join. 

For  me,  if  thus  your  gen'ral  voice  incline, 

Let  Priam's  city  stand,  and  Helen  back  20 

To  warlike  Menelaus  be  restor'd." 

So  spoke  the  God ;  but  seated  side  by  side, 
Juno  and  Pallas  glances  interchang'd 
Of  ill  portent  for  Troy  ;  Pallas  indeed 
Sat  silent ;  and,  though  inly  wroth  with  Jove,  25 

Yet  answer'd  not  a  word ;  but  Juno's  breast 
Could  not  contain  her  rage,  and  thus  she  spoke  : 
"  "What  words,  dread  son  of  Saturn,  dost  thou  speak  ? 
How  Avouldst  thou  render  vain,  and  void  of  fruit, 
My  weary  labour  and  my  horses'  toil,  30 

To  stir  the  people,  and  on  Priam's  self, 
And  Priam's  offspring,  bring  disastrous  fate  ? 
Do  as  thou  wilt !  yet  not  with  our  consent." 

To  whom,  in  wrath,  the  Cloud-compeller  thus  : 
"  Eevengeful !  how  have  Priam  and  his  sons  35 

So  deeply  injur'd  thee,  that  thus  thou  seek'st 
"With  unabated  anger  to  pursue, 
Till  thou  o'erthrow,  the  strong-built  walls  of  Troy  ? 
Couldst  thou  but  force  the  gates,  and  entering  in 


Book  IV.         HOMEK'S    ILIAD.  117 

On  Priam's  mangled  flesh,  and  Priam's  sons,  40 

And  Trojans  all,  a  bloody  banquet  make, 

Percliance  thy  fury  might  at  length  be  stayed. 

But  have  thy  will,  lest  this  in  future  times 

'Twixt  me  and  thee  be  cause  of  strife  renew'd. 

Yet  hear  my  words,  and  ponder  what  I  say  :  45 

If  e'er,  in  times  to  come,  my  will  should  be 

Some  city  to  destroy,  inhabited 

By  men  beloved  of  thee,  seek  not  to  turn 

My  wrath  aside,  but  yield,  as  I  do  now, 

Consenting,  but  with  heart  that  ill  consents ;  50 

For  of  all  cities  fair,  beneath  the  sun 

And  starry  Heaven,  the  abode  of  mortal  men, 

None  to  my  soul  was  dear  as  sacred  Troy, 

And  Priam's  self,  and  Priam's  warrior  race. 

For  with  drink-off 'rings  due,  and  fat  of  lambs,        55 

My  altar  still  hath  at  their  hands  been  fed ; 

Such  honour  hath  to  us  been  ever  paid." 

To  whom  the  stag-ey'd  Juno  thus  replied : 
"  Three  cities  are  there,  dearest  to  my  heart ; 
Argos,  and  Sparta,  and  the  ample  streets  60 


118  HOMER'S     ILIAD.         Book  IV. 

Of  rich  Mycenae  ;  work  on  them  thy  will ; 

Destroy  them,  if  thine  anger  they  incur; 

T  will  not  interpose,  nor  hinder  thee  ; 

Mourn  them  I  shall ;  reluctant  see  their  fall, 

But  not  resist ;  for  sovereign  is  thy  will.  65 

Tet  should  my  labours  not  be  fruitless  all ; 

Tor  I  too  am  a  God  ;  my  blood  is  thine  ; 

"Worthy  of  honour,  as  the  eldest  born 

Of  deep-designing  Saturn,  and  thy  wife  ; 

Thine,  who  o'er  all  th'  Immortals  reign'st  supreme.70 

But  yield  we  each  to  other,  I  to  thee, 

And  thou  to  me  ;  the  other  Gods  will  all 

By  us  be  rul'd.     On  Pallas  then  enjoin 

That  to  the  battle-field  of  Greece  and  Troy 

She  haste,  and  so  contrive  that  Trojans  first  75 

May  break  the  treaty,  and  the  Greeks  assail." 

She  said  :  the  Sire  of  Gods  and  men  complied, 
And  thus  with  winged  words  to  Pallas  spoke  : 
"  Go  to  the  battle-field  of  Greece  and  Troy 
In  haste,  and  so  contrive  that  Trojans  first  80 

May  break  the  treaty,  and  the  Greeks  assail." 

His  words  fresh  impulse  gave  to  Pallas'  zeal, 


Boosrv.         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  119 

And  from  Olympus'  heights  in  haste  she  sped  ; 

Like  to  a  meteor,  that,  of  grave  portent 

To  warring  armies  or  sea-faring  men,  85 

The  son  of  deep-designing  Saturn  sends, 

Bright-flashing,  scatt'ring  fiery  sparks  around, 

The  blue-ey'd  Goddess  darted  down  to  earth, 

And  lighted  in  the  midst ;  amazement  held 

The  Trojan  warriors  and  the  well-greav'd  Greeks  ;  90 

And  one  to  other  look'd  and  said,  "  "WTiat  means 

This  sign  ?     Must  fearful  battle  rage  again, 

Or  may  we  hope  for  gentle  peace  from  Jove, 

"Who  to  mankind  dispenses  peace  and  war  % " 

Such  was  the  converse  Greeks  and  Trojans  held.      95 

Pallas  meanwhile,  amid  the  Trojan  host, 

Clad  in  the  likeness  of  Antenor's  son, 

Laodocus,  a  spearman  stout  and  brave, 

Search' d  here  and  there,  if  haply  she  might  find 

The  godlike  Pandarus ;  Lycaon's  son  100 

She  found,  of  noble  birth  and  stalwart  form, 

Standing,  encircled  by  his  sturdy  band 

Of  bucklered  followers  from  iEsepus'  stream. 

She  stood  beside  him,  and  address'd  him  thus : 


120  HOMER'S     ILIAD.         Book  IV 

"  Wilt  thou  by  me  be  ruled,  Lycaon's  son  ?         105 
For  durst  thou  but  at  Menelaus  shoot 
Thy  winged  arrow,  great  would  be  thy  fame, 
And  great  thy  favour  with  the  men  of  Troy, 
And  most  of  all  with  Paris  ;  at  his  hand 
Thou  shalt  receive  rich  guerdon,  when  he  hears     110 
That  warlike  Menelaus,  by  thy  shaft 
Subdued,  is  laid  upon  the  fun'ral  pyre. 
Bend  then  thy  bow  at  Atreus'  glorious  son, 
Vowing  to  Phoebus,  Lycia's  guardian  God, 
The  Archer-King,  to  pay  of  firstling  lambs  115 

An  ample  hecatomb,  when  home  return'd 
In  safety  to  Zeleia's  sacred  town." 
Thus  she  ;  and,  fool,  he  listen'd  to  her  words. 
Straight  he  micas' d  his  polish'd  bow,  his  spoil 
Won  from  a  mountain  ibex,  which  himself,  120 

In  ambush  lurking,  through  the  breast  had  shot, 
True  to  his  aim,  as  from  behind  a  crag 
He  came  in  sight ;  prone  on  the  rock  he  fell ; 
With  horns  of  sixteen  palms  his  head  was  crown'd ; 
These  deftly  wrought  a  skilful  workman's  hand,    125 
And  polish'd  smooth,  and  tipp'd  the  ends  with  gold. 


Book  IV.        HOMER'S     ILIAD.  121. 

He  bent,  and  resting  on  the  ground  his  bow, 

Strung  it  anew ;  his  faithful  comrades  held 

Their  shields  before  him,  lest  the  sons  of  Greece 

Should  make  their  onset  ere  his  shaft  could  reach  130 

The  warlike  Menelaus,  Atreus'  son. 

His  quiver  then  withdrawing  from  its  case. 

With  care  a  shaft  he  chose,  ne'er  shot  before, 

Well-feather'd,  messenger  of  pangs  and  death ; 

The  stinging  arrow  fitted  to  the  string,  135 

And  vow'd  to  Phoebus,  Lycia's  guardian  God, 

The  Archer-King,  to  pay  of  firstling  lambs 

An  ample  hecatomb,  when  home  return'd 

In  safety  to  Zeleia's  sacred  town. 

At  once  the  sinew  and  the  notch  he  drew  ;  140 

The  sinew  to  his  breast,  and  to  the  bow 

The  iron  head  ;  then,  when  the  mighty  bow 

Was  to  a  circle  strain'd,  sharp  rang  the  horn, 

And  loud  the  sinew  twang'd,  as  tow'rd  the  crowd 

With  deadly  speed  the  eager  arrow  sprang.  145 

Nor,  Menelaus,  was  thy  safety  then 
Uncar'd  for  of  the  Gods  ;  Jove's  daughter  first, 
Pallas,  before  thee  stood,  and  t urn 'd  aside 


122  HOMER'S     ILIAD.        Book  IV. 

The  pointed  arrow ;  turn'd  it  so  aside 

As  when  a  mother  from  her  infant's  cheek,        150 

"Wrapt  in  sweet  slumbers,  brushes  off  a  fly ; 

Its  course  she  so  directed  that  it  struck 

Just  where  the  golden  clasps  the  belt  restrain'd, 

And  where  the  breastplate,  doubled,  check'd  its  force. 

On  the  close-fitting  belt  the  arrow  struck;  155 

Eight  through  the  belt  of  curious  workmanship 

It  drove,  and  through  the  breastplate  richly  wrought, 

And  through  the  coat  of  mail  he  wore  beneath, 

His  inmost  guard  and  best  defence  to  check 

The  hostile  weapons'  force  ;  yet  onward  still  160 

The  arrow  drove,  and  graz'd  the  hero's  flesh. 

Forth  issued  from  the  wound  the  crimson  blood. 

As  when  some  Carian  or  Mseonian  maid, 

With  crimson  dye  the  ivory  stains,  designed 

To  be  the  cheek-piece  of  a  warrior's  steed,  105 

By  many  a  valiant  horseman  coveted, 

As  in  the  house  it  lies,  a  monarch's  boast, 

The  horse  adorning,  and  the  horseman's  pride  : 

So,  Menelaus,  then  thy  graceful  thighs,  169 

And  knees,  and  ancles,  with  thy  blood  were  dy'd. 


Book  IV.        HOMER'S    ILIAD.  123 

Great  Agamemnon  shudder'd  as  he  saw 
The  crimson  drops  out-welling  from  the  wound  ; 
Shudder'd  the  warlike  Menelaus'  self; 
But  when  not  buried  in  his  flesh  he  saw 
The- barb  and  sinew,  back  his  spirit  came.  175 

Then  deeply  groaning,  Agamemnon  spoke, 
As  Menelaus  by  the  hand  he  held, 
And  with  him  groan'd  his  comrades  :  "  Brother  dear, 
I  wrought  thy  death  when  late,  on  compact  sworn, 
I  sent  thee  forth  alone  for  Greece  to  fight ;  ISO 

"Wounded  by  Trojans,  who  their  plighted  faith 
Have  trodden  under  foot ;  but  not  in  vain 
Are  solemn  cov'nants  and  the  blood  of  lambs, 
The  treaty  wine  outpoured,  and  hand-plight  given, 
Wherein  men  place  their  trust ;  if  not  at  once,       185 
Yet  soon  or  late  will  Jove  assert  their  claim  ; 
And  heavy  penalties  the  perjured  pay 
With  their  own  blood,  their  children's,  and  their  wives'. 
So  in  my  inmost  soul  full  well  I  know 
The  day  shall  come  when  this  imperial  Troy,         190 
And  Priam's  race,  and  Priam's  royal  self, 
Shall  in  one  common  rain  be  overthrown  ; 


124:  HOMEE'S      ILIAD.        Book  IV. 

And  Saturn's  son  himself,  high-throned  Jove, 
Who  dwells  in  Heav'n,  shall  in  their  faces  flash 
His  aegis  dark  and  dread,  this  treach'rous  deed       195 
Avenging  ;  this  shall  surely  come  to  pass. 
But,  Menelaus,  deep  will  be  my  grief, 
If  thou  shouldst  perish,  meeting  thus  thy  fate. 
To  thirsty  Argos  should  I  then  return 
By  foul  disgrace  o'erwhehn'd  ;  for,  with  thy  fall,    200 
The  Greeks  will  mind  them  of  their  native  land ; 
And  as  a  trophy  to  the  sons  of  Troy 
The  Argive  Helen  leave  ;  thy  bones  meanwhile 
Shall  moulder  here  beneath  a  foreign  soil, 
Thy  work  undone  ;  and  with  insulting  scorn  205 

Some  vaunting  Trojan,  leaping  on  the  tomb 
Of  noble  Menelaus,  thus  shall  say  : 
*  On  all  his  foes  may  Agamemnon  so 
His  wrath  accomplish,  who  hath  hither  led 
Of  Greeks  a  mighty  army,  all  in  vain  ;  210 

And  bootless  home  with  empty  ships  hath  gone, 
And  valiant  Menelaus  left  behind  ;' 
Thus  when  men  speak,  gape,  earth,  and  hide  my  shame." 
To  whom  the  fair-hair'd  Menelaus  thus 


BookIV.        HOMER'S     ILIAD.  i25 

With  cheering  words  :  "  Fear  not  thyself,  nor  cause 
The  troops  to  fear  :  the  arrow  hath  not  tonch'd       21 G 
A  vital  part :  the  sparkling  belt  hath  first 
Turn'd  it  aside,  the  doublet  next  beneath, 
And  coat  of  mail,  the  work  of  arm'rer's  hands." 

To  whom  the  monarch  Agamemnon  thus  :  220 

"  Dear  Menelaus,  may  thy  words  be  true  ! 
The  leech  shall  tend  thy  wound,  and  spread  it  o'er 
With  healing  ointments  to  assuage  the  pain." 

He  said,  and  to  the  sacred  herald  call'd :  221 

"  Haste  thee,  Talthybius  !  summon  with  all  speed 
The  son  of  ^Esculapius,  peerless  leech, 
Machaon  ;  bid  him  hither  haste  to  see 
The  warlike  Menelaus,  chief  of  Greeks, 
Who  by  an  arrow  from  some  practis'd  hand, 
Trojan  or  Lycian,  hath  receiv'd  a  wound ;  230 

A  cause  of  boast  to  them,  to  us  of  grief." 

He  said  ,  nor  did  the  herald  not  obey, 
But  through  the  brass-clad  ranks  of  Greece  he  pass'd, 
In  search  of  brave  Machaon  ;  him  he  found 
Standing,  by  buckler'd  warriors  bold  begirt,  235 

Who  follow'd  him  from  Trica's  grassy  plains. 


126  HOMEE'S      ILIAD.         Book  IV. 


He  stood  beside  him,  and  address'd  liim  tlms  : 

"  Up,  son  of  .zEsculapius  !  Atreus'  son, 

The  mighty  monarch,  summons  thee  to  see 

The  warlike  Menelaus,  chief  of  Greeks,  210 

"Who  by  an  arrow  from  some  practis'd  hand, 

Trojan  or  Lycian,  hath  receiv'd  a  wound ; 

A  cause  of  boast  to  them,  to  us  of  grief." 

Thus  he ;  and  not  unmov'd  Machaon  heard  :       241 
They  thro'  the  crowd,  and  thro'  the  wide-spread  host, 
Together  took  their  way ;  but  when  they  came 
Where  fair-hair'd  Menelaus,  wounded,  stood, 
Around  him  in  a  ring  the  best  of  Greece, 
And  in  the  midst  the  godlike  chief  himself, 
From  the  close-fitting  belt  the  shaft  he  drew,  250 

Breaking  the  pointed  barbs  ;  the  sparkling  belt 
He  loosen'd,  and  the  doublet  underneath, 
And  coat  of  mail,  the  work  of  arm'rer's  hand. 
But  when  the  wound  appear'd  in  sight,  where  sr^uck 
The  stinging  arrow,  from  the  clotted  blood  255 

He  clean s'd  it,  and  applied  with  skilful  hand 
The  herbs  of  healing  power,  which  Chiron  erst 
In  friendly  guise  upon  his  sire  bestowed. 


BookIY.        HOMEB'S     ILIAD.  127 

While  round  the  valiant  Menelaus  they 
"Were  thus  engag'd,  advanc'd  the  Trojan  hosts  :     260 
They  donn'd  their  arms,  and  for  the  fight  prepar'd. 
In  Agamemnon  then  no  trace  was  seen 
Of  laggard  sloth,  no  shrinking  from  the  fight, 
But  full  of  ardour  to  the  field  he  rush'd. 
He  left  his  horses  and  brass-mounted  ear  265 

(The  champing  horses  by  Eurymedon, 
The  son  of  Ptolemy,  Peiraeus'  son, 

"Were  held  aloof),  but  with  repeated  charge 

Still  to  be  near  at  hand,  when  faint  with  toil 

His  limbs  should  fail  him  marshalling  his  host.     270 

Himself  on  foot  the  warrior  ranks  array'd  ; 

"With  cheering  words  addressing  whom  he  found 

"With  zeal  preparing  for  the  battle-field : 

"  Relax  not,  valiant  friends,  your  warlike   toil ; 

For  Jove  to  falsehood  ne'er  will  give  his  aid  ;         275 

And  they  who  first,  regardless  of  their  oaths, 

Have  broken  truce,  shall  with  their  flesh  themselvea 

The  vultures  feed,  while  we,  their  city  raz'd, 

Their  wives  and  helpless  children  bear  away." 

But  whom  remiss  and  shrinking  from  the  war    2S0 


128  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.         Book  IV. 

He  found,  with  keen  rebuke  he  thus  assail'd ; 

"Ye  wretched  Greeks,  your  country's  foul  reproach, 

Have  ye  no  sense  of  shame  ?     Why  stand  ye  thus 

Like  timid  fawns,  that  in  the  chase  run  down, 

Stand  all  bewildered,  spiritless  and  tame  ?  285 

So  stand  ye  now,  nor  dare  to  face  the  fight. 

What !  will  ye  wait  the  Trojans'  near  approach, 

Where  on  the  beach,  beside  the  hoary  deep, 

Our  goodly  ships  are  drawn,  and  see  if  Jove 

Will  o'er  you  his  protecting  hand  extend  ?"  290 

As  thus  the  King  the  serried  ranks  review'd, 
He  came  where  thronging  round  their  skilful  chief 
Idomeneus,  the  warlike  bands  of  Crete 
Were  arming  for  the  fight ;  Idomeneus, 
Of  courage  stubborn  as  the  forest  boar,  295 

The  foremost  ranks  array'd  ;  Meriones 
The  rearmost  squadrons  had  in  charge  ;  with  joy 
The  monarch  Agamemnon  saw,  and  thus 
With  accents  bland  Idomeneus  address'd : 

"  Idomeneus,  above  all  other  Greeks,  300 

In  battle  and  elsewhere,  I  honour  thee ; 
And  in  the  banquet,  where  the  noblest  mix 


Book  IV.         HOMER'S      ILIAD.  129 

The  ruddy  wine  for  chiefs  alone  reserved, 
Though  others  drink  their  share,  yet  by  thy  side 
Thy  cup,  like  mine,  still  new  replenish'd  stands     305 
To  drink  at  pleasure.     Up  then  to  the  fight, 
Lnd  show  thyself  the  warrior  that  thou  art." 

To  whom  the  Cretan  King,  Idomeneus  : 
"  In  me,  Atrides,  thou  shalt  ever  find, 
As  at  the  first  I  promis'd,  comrade  true  ;  310 

But  go,  and  stir  the  other  long-haired  Greeks 
To  speedy  battle  ;  since  the  Trojans  now 
The  truce  have  broken ;  and  defeat  and  death 
Must  wait  on  those  who  have  their  oaths  forsworn." 

He  said,  and  Agamemnon  went  his  way  315 

Rejoicing  ;  through  the  crowd  he  pass'd,  and  came 
"Where  stood  th'  Ajaces ;  them,  in  act  to  arm, 
Amid  a  cloud  of  infantry  he  found ; 
And  as  a  goat-herd  from  his  watch-tow'r  crag 
Beholds  a  cloud  advancing  o'er  the  sea,  320 

By  Zephyr's  breath  impell'd  ;  as  from  afar 
He  gazes,  black  as  pitch,  it  sweeps  along 
O'er  the  dark  ocean's  face,  and  with  it  brings 
A  hurricane  of  rain  ;  he,  shudd'ring,  sees, 

VOL.    I.  k 


130  HOMER'S       ILIAD.         Book  IV 

And  drives  his  flock  beneath  the  sheltering  cave :  325 
So  thick  and  dark,  about  th'  Ajaces  stirr'd, 
Impatient  for  the  war,  the  stalwart  youths, 
Black  masses,  bristling  close  with  spear  and  shield. 

Well  pleas'd,the  monarch  Agamemnon  saw,        329 
And  thus  address'd  them  :  "  Yaliant  chiefs,  to  you, 
The  leaders  of  the  brass-clad  Greeks,  I  give 
('T  were  needless  and  unseemly)  no  commands  ; 
For  well  ye  understand  your  troops  to  rouse 
To  deeds  of  dauntless  courage  ;  would  to  Jove, 
To  Pallas  and  Apollo,  that  such  mind  335 

As  is  in  you,  in  all  the  camp  were  found  ; 
Then  soon  should  Priam's  lofty  city  fall, 
Tak'n  and  destroy'd  by  our  victorious  hands." 

Thus  saying,  them  he  left,  and  onward  mov'd. 
Nestor,  the  smooth-tongu'd  Pylian  chief,  he  fou'nd340 
The  troops  arraying,  and  to  valiant  deeds 
His  friends  encouraging  ;  stout  Pelagon, 
Alastor,  Chromius,  Hamion,  warlike  Prince, 
And  Bias  bold,  his  people's  sure  defence. 
In  the  front  rank,  with  chariot  and  with  horse,       345 
He  plac'd  the  car -borne  warriors  ;  in  the  rear, 


Book  IV.         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  131 

Num'rous  and  brave,  a  cloud  of  infantry, 

Compactly  mass'd,  to  stem  the  tide  of  war, 

Between  the  two  he  plac'd  th'  inferior  troops,  349 

That  e'en  against  their  will  they  needs  must  fight. 

The  horsemen  first  he  charg'd,  and  bade  them  keep 

Their  horses  well  in  hand,  nor  wildly  rush 

Amid  the  tumult :  "  See,"  he  said,  "  that  none, 

In  skill  or  valour  over-confident, 

Advance  before  his  comrades,  nor  alone  355 

Retire  ;  for  so  your  lines  were  easier  forc'd  ; 

But  ranging  each  beside  a  hostile  car, 

Thrust  with  your  spears  ;  for  such  the  better  way ; 

By  men  so  disciplin'd,  in  elder  days 

Were  lofty  walls  and  fenced  towns  destroy'd."       360 

Thus  he,  experienc'd  in  the  wars  of  old  ; 
"Well  pleas'd,the  monarch  Agamemnon  saw, 
And  thus  address'd  him  ;  "  Would  to  Heav'n,  old  man, 
That,  as  thy  spirit,  such  too  were  thy  strength 
And  vigour  of  thy  limbs  ;  but  now  old  age,  3G5 

The  common  lot  of  mortals,  weighs  thee  down  ; 
Would  I  could  see  some  others  in  thy  place, 
And  thou  couldst  still  be  numbered  with  the  young !" 


132  HOMEE'S      ILIAD.        Book  IV. 

To  whom  Gerenian  Nestor  thus  replied  : 
"  Atrides,  I  too  fain  would  see  restor'd  370 

The  strength  I  once  possess'd,  what  time  I  slew 
The  godlike  Ereuthalion  ;  hut  the  Gods 
On  man  hestow  not  all  their  gifts  at  once  ; 
I  then  was  young,  and  now  am  how'd  with  age, 
Yet  with  the  chariots  can  I  still  go  forth,  375 

And  aid  with  sage  advice :  for  such  the  right 
And  privilege  of  age  ;  to  hurl  the  spear 
Belongs  to  younger  men,  who  after  me 
Were  born,  who  boast  their  vigour  unimpair'd." 

He  said ;  and  Agamemnon  went  his  way,  380 

Rejoicing  :  to  Menestheus  next  he  came, 
The  son  of  Peteus,  charioteer  renown'd; 
Him  found  he,  circled  by  th'  Athenian  bands, 
The  raisers  of  the  war-cry  ;  close  beside 
The  sage  Ulysses  stood,  around  him  rang'd,  385 

Not  unrenown'd,  the  Cephalonian  troops  : 
The  sound  of  battle  had  not  reach'd  their  ears  ; 
For  but  of  late  the  Greek  and  Trojan  hosts 
Were  set  in  motion  ;  they  expecting  stood, 
Till  other  Grecian  columns  should  advance,  390 


book  IV.        HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  133 

Assail  the  Trojans,  and  renew  the  war. 

Atrides  saw,  and  thus,  reproachful,  spoke  : 
"  O  son  of  Peteus,  Heav'n-descended  King  '. 
And  thou    too,  master  of  all  tricky  arts, 
Why,  ling'ring,  stand  ye  thus  aloof,  and  wait    395 
For  others  coming  ?  ye  should  be  the  first 
The  hot  assault  of  battle  to  confront ; 
For  ye  are  first  my  summons  to  receive, 
Whene'er  the  honour'd  banquet  we  prepare  : 
And  well  ye  like  to  eat  the  sav'ry  meat,  400 

And,  at  your  will,  the  luscious  wine-cups  drain  : 
Now  stand  ye  here,  and  unconcern'd  would  see- 
Ten  columns  pass  before  you  to  the  fight." 

To  whom,  with  stern  regard,  Ulysses  thus  :     4-04 
"  What  words  have  pass'd  the  barrier  of  thy  lips, 
Atrides  ?  how  with  want  of  warlike  zeal 
Canst  thou  reproach  us?  when  the  Greeks  again 
The  furious  war  shall  waken,  thou  shalt  see 
(If  that  thou  care  to  see)  amid  the  ranks 
Of  Trov,  the  father  of  Telemachus  410 

1\  the  fore-front:  thy  words  are  empty  wind," 

Atrides  saw  him  chafed,  and  smiling,  thus 


134:  HOMEE'S      ILIAD.        Book  IV. 

Recalled  his  former  words :  "  Ulysses  sage, 
Laertes'  high-born  son,  not  over-much 
I  give  thee  blame,  or  orders  ;  for  I  know  415 

Thy  mind  to  gentle  counsels  is  inclin'd ; 
Thy  thoughts  are  one  with  mine  ;  then  come,  hence- 
forth 
Shall  all  be  well ;  and  if  a  hasty  word 
Have  pass'd,  may  Heaven  regard  it  as  unsaid." 

Thus  saying,  them  he  left,  and  onward  mov'd.  420 
The  son  of  Tydeus,  valiant  Diomed, 
Standing  he  found  amid  his  warlike  steeds 
And  well-built  cars  ;  beside  him,  Sthenelns, 
The  son  of  Capaneus  ;  Atrides  saw, 
And  thus  address'd  him  with  reproachful  words  :  425 
"  Alas  !  thou  son  of  Tydeus,  wise  and  bold, 
"Why  crouch  with  fear  ?  why  thus  appalFd  survey 
The  pass  of  war  ?  not  so  had  Tydeus  crouch'd  ; 
His  hand  was  ever  readv  from  their  foes 
To  guard  his  comrades ;  so,  at  least,  they  say         430 
Whose  eyes  beheld  his  labours  ;  I  myself 
Nor  met  him  e'er,  nor  saw  ;  but,  by  report, 
Thy  father  was  the  foremost  man  of  men. 


Book  IV.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  135 

A.  stranger  to  Mycence  once  he  came, 

With  godlike  Polynices  ;  not  at  war,  435 

But  seeking  succour  for  the  troops  that  lay 

Encamp'd  before  the  sacred  walls  of  Thebes  ; 

For  reinforcements  earnestly  they  sued  ; 

The  boon  they  ask'd  was  granted  them,  but  Jove 

With  unpropitious  omens  turn'd  them  back.  440 

Advancing  on  their  journey,  when  they  reach'd 

Asopus'  grassy  banks  and  rushes  deep, 

The  Greeks  upon  a  mission  Tydeus  sent : 

He  went ;  and  many  Thebans  there  he  found 

Feasting  in  Eteocles'  royal  hall :  445 

Amid  them  all,  a  stranger  and  alone, 

He  stood  unterrified,  and  challeng'd  all 

To  wrestle  with  him,  and  with  ease  o'erthrew  : 

So  mighty  was  the  aid  that  Pallas  gave. 

Whereat  indignant,  they,  on  his  return,  450 

An  ambush  set,  of  fifty  chosen  youths  ; 

Two  were  their  leaders  ;  Hsemon's  godlike  son, 

Mseon,  and  Lycophontes,  warrior  brave, 

Son  of  Autophonus  ;  and  these  too  far'd 

But  ill  at  Tydeus'  hand  ;  he  slew  them  all :  455 


/ 


136  HOMER'S    ILIAD.        Book  IV. 

Mason  alone,  obedient  to  the  Gods, 
He  spar'd,  and  bade  him  bear  the  tidings  home. 
Such  Tydeus  was  :  though  greater  in  debate, 
His  son  will  never  rival  him  in  arms." 

He  said :  brave  Diomed  in  silence  heard,  460 

Submissive  to  the  monarch's  stern  rebuke  ; 
Then  answer'd  thus  the  son  of  Capaneus  : 
"  Atrides,  speak  not  falsely  :  well  thou  know'st 
The  truth,  that  we  our  fathers  far  surpass. 
The  seven-gated  city,  Thebes,  we  took,  465 

"With  smaller  force  beneath  the  wall  of  Mars, 
Trusting  to  heav'nly  signs,  and  fav'ring  Jove, 
Where  they  by  blind,  presumptuous  folly  fail'd  ; 
Then  equal  not  our  fathers'  deeds  with  ours." 

To  whom  thus  Diomed,  with  stern  regard  :         470 
"  Father,  be  silent ;  hearken  to  my  words  : 
I  blame  not  Agamemnon,  King  of  men, 
Who  thus  to  battle  stirs  the  weil-greav'd  Greeks : 
His  will  the  glory  be  if  we  o'ercome 
The  valiant  Trojans,  and  their  city  take  ;  475 

Great  too  his  loss  if  they  o'er  us  prevail : 
Then  come,  let  us  too  for  the  fight  prepare  " 


BookIV.        HOMER'S     ILIAD.  137 

He  said  ;  and  from  the  car  leap'd  down  in  arms  : 
Fierce  rang  the  armonr  on  the  warrior's  breast, 
That  ev'n  the  stoutest  heart  might  quail  with  fear. 

As  by  the  west  wind  driv'n,  the  ocean  waves      481 
Dash  forward  on  the  far-resounding  shore, 
"Wave  upon  wave  ;  first  curls  the  ruffled  sea 
With  whit'ning  crests ;  anon  with  thund'ring  roar 
It  breaks  upon  the  beach,  and  from  the  crags         4Sc 
Recoiling  flings  in  giant  curves  its  head 
Aloft,  and  tosses  high  the  wild  sea-spray  : 
Column  on  column,  so  the  hosts  of  Greece 
Pour'd,  ceaseless,  to  the  war ;  to  each  the  chiefs 
Their  orders  gave ;  the  rest  in  silence  mov'd  :         490 
Nor  would  ye  deem  that  mighty  mass  endued 
With  power  of  speech,  so  silently  they  moved 
In  awe  of  their  great  captains  :  far  around 
Flashed  the  bright  armour  they  were  girt  withal. 

On  th'  other  hand,  the  Trojans,  as  the  flocks       495 
That  in  the  court-yard  of  some  wealthy  Lord 
In  countless  numbers  stand,  at  milking-time, 
Incessant  bleating,  as  their  lambs  they  hear : 
So  rose  their  mingled  clamours  through  the  camp  ; 


138  HOMEK'S     ILIAD.         Book  IV. 

For  not  one  language  nor  one  speech  was  there,    500 
But  many  nations  call'd  from  distant  lands  : 
These  Mars  inspir'd,  and  those  the  blue-ey'd  Maid  ; 
And  Fear,  and  Flight,  and  Discord  unappeas'd, 
Of  blood-stain'd  Mars  the  sister  and  the  friend  : 
"With  humble  crest  at  first,  anon  her  head,  505 

While  yet  she  treads  the  earth,  affronts  the  skies. 
The  gage  of  battle  in  the  midst  she  threw, 
Strode  through  the  crowd,  and  woe  to  mortals  wrought. 
When  to  the  midst  they  came,  together  rush'd 
Bucklers  and  lances,  and  the  furious  might  510 

Of  mail-clad  warriors  ;  bossy  shield  on  shield 
Clatter'd  in  conflict ;  loud  the  clamour  rose. 
Then  rose  too  mino-led  shouts  and  groans  of  men 
Slaying  and  slain  ;  the  earth  ran  red  with  blood.   514 
As  when,  descending  from  the  mountain's  brow, 
Two  wintry  torrents,  from  their  copious  source 
Pour  downward  to  the  narrow  pass,  where  meet 
Their  mingled  waters  in  some  deep  ravine, 
Their  weight  of  flood  ;  on  the  far  mountain's  side 
The  shepherd  hears  the  roar ;  so  loud  arose  52" 

The  shouts  and  yells  of  those  commingling  hosts. 


Book  IV.        HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  139 

First  'mid  the  foremost  ranks  Antilochus 
A  Trojan  warrior,  Echepolus,  slew, 
A  crested  chief,  Thalesius'  noble  son. 
Beneath  his  horsehair-plumed  helmet's  peak  525 

The  sharp  spear  struck  ;  deep  in  his  forehead  fix'd 
It  pierc'd  the  bone  ;  then  darkness  veil'd  his  eyes, 
And,  like  a  tow'r,  amid  the  press  he  fell. 
Him  Elephenor,  brave  Abantian  chief, 
Son  of  Chalcoclon,  seizing  by  the  feet,  530 

Dragg'd  from  beneath  the  darts,  in  haste  to  strip 
His  armour  off ;  but  short-liv'd  was  th'  attempt ; 
For  bold  Asenor  mark'd  him  as  he  drew 
The  corpse  aside,  and  with  his  brass-tipp'd  spear  534 
Thrust  through  his  flank,  unguarded,  as  he  stoop'd, 
Beside  his  sliield ;  and  slack'd  his  limbs  in  death. 
The  spirit  was  fled ;  but  hotly  o'er  him  rag'd 
The  war  of  Greeks  and  Trojans  ;  fierce  as  wolves 
They  fought,  man  struggling  hand  to  hand  with  man. 

Then  Ajax  Telamon  a  stalwart  youth, 
Son  of  Anthemion,  Simoisius,  slew  ; 
Whose  mother  gave  him  birth  on  Simois'  banks, 
When  with  her  parents  down  from  Ida's  heights 


140  HOMER'S    ILIAD.         Book  IV. 

She  drove  her  flock  ;  thence  Simoisius  nam'd  : 

Not  destined  he  his  parents  to  repay  545 

Their  early  care  ;  for  short  his  term  of  life, 

By  godlike  Ajax'  mighty  spear  subdued. 

Him,  to  the  front  advancing,  in  the  breast, 

By  the  right  nipple,  Ajax  struck ;  right  through,  549 

From  front  to  back,  the  brass-tipp'd  spear  was  driv'n, 

Out  through  the  shoulder ;  prone  in  dust  he  fell ; 

As  some  tall  poplar,  grown  in  marshy  mead, 

Smooth-stemm'd,  with  branches  tapering  tow'rd  the 

head  ; 
Which  with  the  biting  axe  the  wheelwright  fells, 
To  bend  the  felloes  of  his  well-built  car  ;  555 

Sapless,  beside  the  river,  lies  the  tree  ; 
So  lay  the  youthful  Simoisius,  felled 
By  godlike  Ajax'  hand.     At  him,  in  turn, 
The  son  of  Priam,  Antiphus,  encas'd 
In  radiant  armour,  from  amid  the  crowd  560 

His  jav'lin  threw  ;  his  mark,  indeed,  he  miss  a  ; 
But  through  the  groin  Ulysses'  faithful  friena, 
Leucus,  he  struck,  in  act  to  bear  away 
The  youthful  dead  ;  down  on  the  corpse  he  fell, 

I 


Book  IV.         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  141 

And,  dying,  of  the  dead  relax'd  his  grasp.  565 

Fierce  anger,  at  his  comrade's  slaughter,  filled 
Ulysses'  breast ;  in  burnished  armour  clad 
Forward  he  rush'd ;  and  standing  near,  around 
He  look'd,  and  pois'd  on  high  his  glitt'ring  lance  : 
Beneath  his  aim  the  Trojans  back  recoil'd  ;  570 

Nor  vainly  flew  the  spear ;  Democoon, 
A  bastard  son  of  Priam,  met  the  blow  : 
He  from  Abydos  came,  his  high-bred  mares 
There  left  to  pasture  ;  him  Ulysses,  fill'd 
With  fury  at  his  lov'd  companion's  death,  575 

Smote  on  the  head  ;  through  either  temple  pass'd 
The  pointed  spear,  and  darkness  veil'd  his  eyes. 
Thund'ring  he  fell,  and  loud  his  armour  rang. 
At  this  the  Trojan  chiefs,  and  Hector's  self,  579 

'Gan  to  give  ground  :  the  Greeks  with  joyful  shouts 
Seiz'd  on  the  dead,  and  forward  urg'd  their  course. 
From  Ilium's  heights  Apollo,  filled  with  wrath, 
Look'd  down,  and  to  the  Trojans  shouted  loud  : 
"  Uprouse  ye,  valiant  Trojans  !  give  not  way 
Before  the  Greeks ;  their  bodies  are  not  stone,     585 
Nor  iron,  to  defy  your  trenchant  swords  ; 


142  HOMER'S     ILIAD.        Book  IV 

And  great  Achilles,  fair-hair'd  Thetis'  son, 

Fights  not,  but  o'er  his  anger  broods  apart." 

So  from  the  city  call'd  the  heav'nly  voice  ; 

The  Greeks,  meanwhile,  all-glorious  Pallas  fir'd,  590 

Mov'd  'mid  the  tumult,  and  the  laggards  rous'd. 

Then  fell  Diores,  Amarynceus'  son  : 
A  rugged  fragment  of  a  rock  had  crush'd 
His  ancle  and  right  leg  :     from  ^Enon  came 
The  Thracian  chief  who  hurl'd  it,  Peirous,  son       595 
Of  Imbrasus  ;  the  tendons  both,  and  bones, 
The  huge  mass  shatter'd  ;  backward  in  the  dust 
He  fell,  both  hands  extending  to  his  friends, 
Gasping  his  life  away  ;  then  quick  up-ran 
He  who  the  blow  had  dealt,  and  with  his  spear     600 
Thrust  through  him,  by  the  navel ;  from  the  wound 
His  bowels  gush'd,  and  darkness  veil'd  his  eyes. 

But  he,  advancing,  through  the  breast  was  struck 
Above  the  nipple,  by  th'  ^Etolian  chief.  GO-k 

Thoas ;  and  through  his  lungs  the  spear  was  driv'n. 
Thoas  approach'cl,  and  from  his  breast  withdrew 
The  sturdy  spear,  and  with  his  sharp-edg'd  sword 
Across  his  waistband  gave  the  mortal  stroke : 


Book  IV.         HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  143 

Yet  could  not  touch  his  arms  ;  for  all  around 

The  Thracian  warriors,  with  their  tufted  crowns, 610 

Their  long  spears  held  before  them,  him,  though  stout, 

And  strong,  and  valiant,  kept  at  bay  ;  perforce 

lie  yielded ;  and  thus  side  by  side  were  laid 

The  two,  the  Thracian  and  th'  Epeian  chief; 

And  round  them  many  a  valiant  soldier  lay.  615 

"Well  might  the  deeds  achieved  that  day  deserve 
His  praise,  who  through  that  bloody  field  might  pas9 
By  sword  or  spear  unwounded,  by  the  hand 
Gf  Pallas  guarded  from  the  weapon's  flight ; 
For  many  a  Trojan,  many  a  Greek,  that  day  620 

Prone  in  the  dust,  and  side  by  side,  were  laid. 


ARGUMENT. 

THE     ACTS      OF      DIOMED. 

Diomed,  assisted  by  Pallas,  performs  wonders  in  this  day's  battle. 
Pandarns  wounds  bim  witb  an  arrow,  but  tbe  goddess  cures  him, 
enables  him  to  discern  gods  from  mortals,  and  prohibits  him 
from  contending  with  any  of  the  former,  excepting  Venus. 
iEneas  joins  Pandarus  to  oppose  him,  Pandarus  is  killed,  and 
iEneas  in  great  danger  but  for  the  assistance  of  Venus  ;  who,  as 
she  is  removing  her  son  from  the  fight,  is  wounded  on  the  hand 
by  Diomed.  Apollo  seconds  her  in  his  rescue,  and,  at  length, 
carries  off  iEneas  to  Troy,  where  he  is  healed  in  the  temple  of 
Pergamus.  Mars  rallies  the  Trojans,  and  assists  Hector  to  make 
a  stand.  In  the  mean  time  iEneas  is  restored  to  the  field,  and 
they  overthrow  several  of  the  Greeks  ;  among  the  rest  Tlepolemus 
is  slain  by  Sarpedon.  Juno  and  Minerva  descend  to  resist  Mars  ; 
the  latter  incites  Diomed  to  go  against  that  god ;  he  wounds 
him,  and  sends  him  groaning  to  heaven. 

The  first  battle  continues  through  this  book.    The  scene  is  the  same 
as  in  the  former. 


BookV.  HOMEK'S    ILIAD.  147 


S 


BOOK     V. 


UCH  strength  and  courage  then  to  Diomed 


The  son  of  Tydeus,  Pallas  gave,  as  rais'd, 
'Mid  all  the  Greeks,  the  glory  of  his  name. 
Forth  from  his  helm  and  shield  a  fiery  light 
There  flash'd,  like  autumn's  star,  that  brightest  shines 
When  newly  risen  from  his  ocean  bath.  6 

So  from  the  warrior's  head  and  shoulders  flash'd 
That  fiery  light,  as  to  the  midst  he  urg'd 
His  furious  course,  where  densest  masses  fought. 

There  was  one  Dares  'mid  the  Trojan  host,  10 

The  priest  of  Vulcan,  rich,  of  blameless  life  ; 
Two  gallant  sons  he  had,  Idasus  nam'd, 
And  Phegeus,  skill'd  in  all  the  points  of  war. 
These,  parted  from  the  throng,  the  warrior  met ; 
They  on  their  car,  while  he  on  foot  advanc'd.  15 

When  near  they  came,  first  Phegeus  threw  his  spear  ; 
O'er  the  left  shoulder  of  Tydides  pass'd 


148  HOMER'S      ILIAD.  Book  V. 

The  erring  weapon's  point,  and  miss'd  its  mark. 

His  pond'rous  spear  in  turn  Tydides  threw, 

And  not  in  vain  ;  on  Phegeus'  breast  it  struck,        20 

Full  in  the  midst,  and  hurl'd  him  from  the  ear. 

Idseus  from  the  well-wrought  chariot  sprang, 

And  fled,  nor  durst  his  brother's  corpse  defend. 

Nor  had  he  so  escap'd  the  doom  of  death, 

But  Vulcan  bore  him  safely  from  the  field,  25 

In  darkness  shrouded,  that  his  aged  sire 

Might  not  be  wholly  of  his  sons  bereav'd. 

The  car  Tydides  to  his  comrades  gave, 

And  bade  them  to  the  ships  the  horses  drive. 

Now  when  the  Trojans  Dares'  sons  beheld,  30 

The  one  in  flight,  the  other  stretch'd  in  death, 
Their  spirits  within  them  quail'd  ;  but  Pallas  took 
The  hand  of  Mars,  and  thus  address'd  the  God  : 
/    "  Mars,  Mars,  thou  bane  of  mortals,  blood-stain'd  Lord, 
Razer  of  cities,  wherefore  leave  we  not  35 

The  Greeks  and  Trojans  to  contend,  and  see 
To  which  the  sire  of  all  will  vict'ry  give  ; 
WTiile  we  retire,  and  shun  the  wrath  of  Jove  ?" 
Thus  saying,  from  the  battle  Mars  she  led, 


Book  V.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  149 

And  plac'd  him  on  Scamander's  steepy  banks.        40 
The  Greeks  drove  back  the  Trojan  host ;  the  chiefs 
Slew  each  his  victim  ;  Agamemnon  first, 
The  mighty  monarch,  from  his  chariot  hnrl'd 
Hodins,  the  sturdy  Halizonian  chief, 
Him,  as  he  turn'd,  between  the  shonlder-blades       45 
The  jav'lin  struck,  and  through  his  chest  was  driv'n  ; 
Thund'ring  he  fell,  and  loud  his  armour  rang. 

On  Phsestus,  Boras'  son,  Mseonian  chief, 
Who  from  the  fertile  plains  of  Tarn  a  came, 
Then  sprang  Idomeneus ;  and  as  he  sought  50 

To  mount  upon  his  car,  the  Cretan  King 
Through  his  right  shoulder  drove  the  pointed  spear  ; 
He  fell ;  the  shades  of  death  his  eyes  o'erspread, 
And  of  his  arms  the  followers  stripp'd  his  corpse. 

The  son  of  Atreus,  Menelaus,  slew  55 

Scamandrius,  son  of  Strophius,  sportsman  keen, 
In  woodcraft  skilful ;  for  his  practis'd  hand 
Had  by  Diana's  self  been  taught  to  slay 
Each  beast  of  chase  the  mountain  forest  holds. 
But  nought  avail'd  him  then  the  Archer-Queen        60 
Diana's  counsels,  nor  his  boasted  art 


150  HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  Book  V 

Of  distant  aim  ;  for  as  lie  fled,  the  lance 

Of  Menelaus,  Atreus'  warlike  son, 

Behind  his  neck,  between  the  shoulder-blades, 

His  flight  arresting,  through  his  chest  was  driv'n.    65 

Headlong  he  fell,  and  loud  his  armour  rang. 

Phereclus  by  Meriones  was  slain, 
Son  of  Harmonides,  whose  practis'd  hand 
Knew  well  to  fashion  many  a  work  of  art ; 
By  Pallas  highly  favour'd ;  he  the  ships  TO 

For  Paris  built,  first  origin  of  ill, 
Freighted  with  evil  to  the  men  of  Troy, 
And  to  himself,  who  knew  not  Heav'n's  decrees. 
Him,  in  his  headlong  flight,  in  hot  pursuit 
Meriones  o'ertook,  and  thrust  his  lance  75 

Through  his  right  flank  ;  beneath  the  bone  was  driv'n 
The  spear,  andpierc'd  him  through :  prone  on  his  knees, 
Groaning,  he  fell,  and  death  his  eyelids  clos'd. 

Meges  Pedaeus  slew,  Antenor's  son, 
A  bastard  born,  but  by  Theano  rear'd  80 

With  .tender  care,  and  nurtur'd  as  her  son, 
"With  her  own  children,  for  her  husband's  sake. 
Him,  Phyleus'  warrior  son,  approaching  near, 


BookV.  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  151 

Thrust  through  the  junction  of  the  head  and  neck  ; 
Crash' d  through  his  teeth  the  spear  beneath  the  tongue ; 
Prone  in  the  dust  he  gnash'd  the  brazen  point.         86 

Eurypylus,  Eusemon's  noble  son, 
Hypsenor  slew,  the  worthy  progeny 
Of  Dolopion  brave  ;  Scamander's  priest, 
And  by  the  people  as  a  God  rever'd  :  90 

Him,  as  he  fled  before  him,  from  behind 
Eurypylus,  Eueemon's  noble  son, 
Smote -with  the  sword  ;  and  from  the  shoulder-point 
The  brawny  arm  he  sever'd ;  to  the  ground 
Down  fell  the  gory  hand ;  the  darkling  shades  \     95 
Of  death,  and  rig'rous  doom,  his  eyelids  clos'd.   ' 

Thus  labour'd  they  amid  the  stubborn  fight ; 
But  of  Tydides  none  might  say  to  whom 
His  arm  belong'd,  or  whether  with  the  hosts 
Of  Troy  or  Greece  he  mingled  in  the  fight :  100 

Hither  and  thither  o'er  the  plain  he  rush'd, 
Like  to  a  wintry  stream,  that  brimming  o'er 
Breaks  down  its  barriers  in  its  rapid  course  ; 
Nor  well-built  bridge  can  stem  the  flood,  nor  fence 
That  guards  the  fertile  fields,  as  down  it  pours  105 


152  HOMER'S      ILIAD.  Book  V 

Its  sudden  torrent,  swoll'n  with  rain  from  Heav'n, 
And  many  a  goodly  work  of  man  destroys : 
So  back  were  borne  before  Tydides'  might 
The  serried  ranks  of  Troy,  nor  dar'd  await, 
Despite  their  numbers,  his  impetuous  charge.        110 

Him  when  Lycaon's  noble  son  beheld 
Careering  o'er  the  plain,  the  serried  ranks 
Driving  before  him,  quick  at  Tydeus'  son 
He  bent  his  bow ;  and  onward  as  he  rush'd, 
On  the  right  shoulder,  near  the  breastplate's  joint,  115 
The  stinging  arrow  struck ;  right  through  it  pass'd, 
And  held  its  way,  that  blood  the  breastplate  stain'd. 
Then  shouted  loud  Lycaon's  noble  son  : 
"  Arouse  ye,  valiant  Trojans,  ye  who  goad 
Your  flying  steeds  ;  the  bravest  of  the  Greeks         120 
Is  wounded,  nor,  I  deem,  can  long  withstand 
My  weapon,  if  indeed  from  Lycia's  shore 
By  Phoebus'  counsel  sent  I  join'd  the  war." 

Thus  he,  vain-glorious  ;  but  not  so  was  quell'd 
The  godlike  chief;  back  he  withdrew,  and  stood  125 
Beside  his  car,  and  thus  to  Sthenelus, 
The  son  of  Capaneus,  his  speech  address'd  : 


BookV.  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  153 

"  Up,  gentle  son  of  Capaneus,  descend 

From  off  the  car,  and  from  my  shoulder  draw 

This  stinging  arrow  forth."     He  said,  and  down     130 

Leap'd"  from  the  chariot  Sthenelus,  and  stood 

Beside  him  ;  and  as  forth  he  drew  the  shaft, 

Gush'd  out  the  blood,  and  dyed  the  twisted  mail. 

Then  thus  the  valiant  son  of  Tydeus  pray'd  : 

"  Hear  me,  thou  child  of  segis-bearing  Jove,  135 

Unconquer'd  !  if  amid  the  deadly  fight 

Thy  friendly  aid  my  father  e'er  sustain'd, 

Let  me  in  turn  thy  favour  find  ;  and  grant 

"Within  my  reach  and  compass  of  my  spear 

That  man  may  find  himself,  who  unawares  140 

Hath  wounded  me,  and  vainly  boasting  deems 

I  shall  not  long  behold  the  light  of  day." 

Thus  pray'd  the  chief,  and  Pallas  heard  his  pray'r  ; 

To  all  his  limbs,  to  feet  and  hands  alike, 

She  gave  fresh  vigour  ;  and  with  winged  words,    145 

Beside  him  as  she  stood,  address'd  him  thus  : 

u  Go  fearless  onward,  Diomed,  to  meet 
The  Trojan  hosts  ;  for  I  within  thy  breast 
Thy  father's  dauntless  courage  have  infus'd, 


154  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  V, 

Such,  as  of  old  in  Tydeus'  bosom  dwelt,  150 

Bold  horseman,  buckler-clad  ;  and  from  thine  eyes 
The  film  that  dimm'd  them  I  have  purg'd  away, 
That  thou  mayst  well  'twixt  Gods  and  men  discern. 
If  then  some  God  make  trial  of  thy  force, 
"With  other  of  th'  Immortals  fight  thou  not ;  155 

But  should  Jove's  daughter  Yenus  dare  the  fray 
Thou  needst  not  slum  at  her  to  cast  thy  spear." 
This  said,  the  blue-ey'd  Goddess  disappear'd. 
Forthwith  as;ain  amid  the  foremost  ranks 
Tydides  mingled  ;  keenly  as  before  160 

His  spirit  against  the  Trojans  burn'd  to  fight, 
With  threefold  fury  now  he  sought  the  fray. 
As  when  a  hungry  lion  has  o'erleap'd 
The  sheepfold ;  him  the  guardian  of  the  flock 
Has  wounded,  not  disabled ;  by  his  wound  165 

To  rage  excited,  but  not  forc'd  to  fly, 
The  fold  he  enters,  scares  the  trembling  sheep, 
That,  closely  huddled,  each  on  other  press, 
Then  pounces  on  his  prey,  and  leaps  the  fence  : 
So  pounc'd  Tydides  on  the  Trojan  host.  170 

Astynous  and  Hypeiron  then  he  slew, 


BookV.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  155 

His  people's  guardian  ;  through  the  breast  of  one 

He  drove  his  spear,  and  with  his  mighty  sword 

He  smote  the  other  on  the  collar-bone, 

The  shoulder  sev'ring  from  the  neck  and  back.       175 

Them  left  he  there  to  lie  ;  of  Abas  then 

And  Polyeidus  went  in  hot  pursuit, 

Sons  of  Eurydamas,  an  aged  seer, 

Whose  visions  stay'd  them  not ;  but  both  were  doom'd 

A  prey  to  valiant  Diomed  to  fall.  180 

Xanthus  and  Thoon  then  the  hero  slew, 

The  sons  of  Phsenops,  children  of  his  age : 

He,  worn  with  years,  no  other  sons  begot, 

Heirs  of  his  wealth  ;  they  two  together  fell, 

And  to  their  father  left  a  load  of  grief,  185 

That  from  the  battle  they  return'd  not  home, 

And  distant  kindred  all  his  substance  shar'd. 

On  Chromius  and  Echemon  next  he  fell, 

Two  sons  of  Priam  on  one  chariot  borne  ; 

And  as  a  lion  springs  upon  a  herd,  190 

And  breaks  the  neck  of  heifer  or  of  steer, 

Feeding  in  woodland  glade  ;  with  such  a  spring 

These  two,  in  vain  resisting,  from  their  car 


156  HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  Book  V 

Tydides  huiTd ;  then  stripp'd  their  arms,  and  bade 
His  followers  lead  their  horses  to  the  ships.  195 

Him  when  JEneas  saw  amid  the  ranks 
Dealing  destruction,  through  the  fight  and  throng 
Of  spears  he  plung'd,  if  haply  he  might  find 
The  godlike  Pandarus  ;  Lycaon's  son 
He  found,  of  noble  birth  and  stalwart  form,  200 

And  stood  before  him,  and  address'd  him  thus  : 
"  Where,  Pandarus,  are  now  thy  winged  shafts, 
Thy  bow,  and  well-known  skill,  wherein  with  thee 
Can  no  man  here  contend?  nor  Lycia  boasts, 
Through  all  her  wide-spread  plains,  a  truer  aim  ;  205 
Then  raise  to  Jove  thy  hands,  and  with  thy  shaft 
Strike  down  this  chief,  whoe'er  he  be,  that  thus 
Is  making  fearful  havoc  in  our  host, 
Relaxing  many  a  warrior's  limbs  in  death  : 
If  he  be  not  indeed  a  God,  incens'd  210 

Against  the  Trojans  for  neglected  rites  ; 
For  fearful  is  the  vengeance  of  a  God." 

Whom  answer'd  thus  Lycaon's  noble  son : 
"  iEneas,  chief  and  councillor  of  Troy, 
Most  like  in  all  respects  to  Tydeus'  son  21 5 


BookV.         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  157 

He  seems  ;  his  shield  I  know,  and  visor'd  helm, 

And  horses ;  whether  he  himself  be  God, 

I  cannot  tell ;  but  if  he  be  indeed 

The  man  I  think  him,  Tydeus'  valiant  son, 

He  fights  not  thus  without  the  aid  of  Heav'n  ;       220 

But  by  his  side,  his  shoulders  veiled  in  cloud, 

Some  God  attends  his  steps,  and  turns  away 

The  shaft  that  just  hath  reach'd  him  ;  for  ev'n  now 

A  shaft  I  shot,  which  by  the  breastplate's  joint 

Pierc'd  his  right  shoulder  through  :  full  sure  I  deem'd 

That  shaft  had  sent  him  to  the  shades,  and  yet       226 

It  slew  him  not ;  'tis  sure  some  angry  God. 

Nor  horse  have  I,  nor  car  on  which  to  mount ; 

But  in  my  sire  Lycaon's  wealthy  house 

Elev'n  fair  chariots  stand,  all  newly  built,  230 

Each  with  its.cover  ;  by  the  side  of  each 

Two  steeds  on  rye  and  barley  white  are  fed  ; 

And  in  his  well-built  house,  when  here  I  came, 

Lycaon,  aged  warrior,  urg'd  me  oft 

With  horses  and  with  chariots  high  upborne,  235 

To  lead  the  Trojans  in  the  stubborn  fight ; 

I  hearken'd  not — 'twere  better  if  I  had — 


158  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  V 

Yet  feard  I  lest  ray  horses,  wont  to  feed 
In  plenty  unstinted,  by  the  soldiers'  wants 
Might  of  their  cnstom'd  forage  be  depriv'd ;  240 

I  left  them  there,  and  hither  came  on  foot, 
And  trusting  to  my  bow  :  vain  trust,  it  seems  ; 
Two  chiefs  already  have  I  struck,  the  sons 
Of  Tydeus  and  of  Atreus ;  with  true  aim 
Drawn  blood  from  both,  yet  but  increas'd  their  rage. 
Sad  was  the  hour  when  down  from  where  it  hung    246 
I  took  my  bow,  and  hasting  to  the  aid 
Of  godlike  Hector,  hither  led  my  troops  ; 
But  should  I  e'er  return,  and  see  again 
My  native  land,  my  wife,  my  lofty  hall,  250 

Then  may  a  stranger's  sword  cut  off  my  head, 
If  with  these  hands  I  shatter  not,  and  burn, 
The  bow  that  thus  hath  fail'd  me  at  my  need." 
Him  answer'd  thus  ^Eneas,  chief  of  Troy  : 
"  Speak  thou  not  thus  ;  our  fortunes  shall  not  change 
Till  thou  and  I,  with  chariot  and  with  horse,  256 

This  chief  encounter,  and  his  prowess  prove  ; 
Then  mount  my  car,  and  see  how  swift  my  steeds, 
Hither  and  thither,  in  pursuit  or  flight, 


book  V.  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  159 

From  those  of  Tros  descended,  scour  the  plain.      200 

So  if  the  victory  to  Diomed, 

The  son  of  Tydeus,  should  by  Jove  be  giv'n, 

We  yet  may  safely  reach  the  walls  of  Troy. 

Take  then  the  whip  and  reins,  while  I  descend 

To  fight  on  foot ;  or  thou  the  chief  engage,  265 

And  leave  to  me  the  conduct  of  the  car." 

Whom  answer'd  thus  Lycaon's  noble  son  : 
"^Eneas,  of  thy  horses  and  thy  car 
Take  thou  the  charge  ;  beneath  th'  accustomed  hand, 
With  more  assurance  would  they  draw  the  car,      270 
If  we  from  Tydeus'  son  be  forced  to  fly ; 
Nor,  struck  with  panic,  and  thy  voice  unheard, 
Refuse  to  bear  us  from  the  battle-field ; 
So  should  ourselves  be  slain,  and  Tydeus'  son 
In  triumph  drive  thy  horses  to  the  ships.  275 

But  thou  thy  horses  and  thy  chariot  guide, 
While  I  his  onset  with  my  lance  receive." 

Thus  saying,  on  the  car  they  mounted  both, 
And  tow'rd  Tydides  urg'd  their  eager  steeds. 
Them  Sthenelus  beheld,  the  noble  son  280 

Of  Capaneus,  and  to  Tydides  cried  : 


160  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  Book  V 

"  Oil  son  of  Tydeus,  dearest  to  my  soul, 

Two  men  I  see,  of  might  invincible, 

Impatient  to  engage  thee  ;  Pandarus, 

Well  skill'd  in  archery,  Lycaon's  son  ;  285 

"With  him  iEneas,  great  Anchises'  son, 

Who  from  immortal  Yenus  boasts  his  birth. 

Then  let  us  timely  to  the  car  retreat, 

Lest,  moving  thus  amid  the  foremost  ranks, 

Thy  daring  pay  the  forfeit  of  thy  life." 

To  whom  brave  Diomed  with  stern  regard : 
"  Talk  not  to  me  of  flight !     I  heed  thee  not  1 
It  is  not  in  my  nature  so  to  fight 
With  skulking  artifice  and  faint  retreat ; 
My  strength  is  yet  unbroken  ;  I  should  shame 
To  mount  the  car ;  but  forward  will  I  go 
To  meet  these  chiefs'  encounter ;  for  my  soul 
Pallas  forbids  the  touch  of  fear  to  know. 
Nor  shall  their  horses'  speed  procure  for  both 
A  safe  return,  though  one  escape  my  arm. 
This  too  I  say,  and  bear  my  words  in  mind  ; 
By  Pallas'  counsel  if  my  hap  should  be 
To  slay  them  both,  leave  thou  my  horses  here, 


Book  v.         HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  1G1 

The  reins  attaching  to  the  chariot-rail, 

And  seize,  and  from  the  Trojans  to  the  ships         305 

Drive  off  the  horses  in  ^Eneas'  car  ; 

From  those  descended,  which  all-seeing  Jove 

On  Tros,  for  Ganymede  his  son,  bestow'd  : 

"With  these  may  none  beneath  the  sun  compare. 

Anchises,  King  of  men,  the  breed  obtain'd  310 

By  cunning,  to  the  horses  sending  mares 

"Without  the  knowledge  of  Laomedon. 

« 

Six  colts  were  thus  engender'd :  four  of  these 

In  his  own  stalls  he  rear'd  ;  the  other  two 

Gave  to  iEneas,  fear-inspiring  chief:  315 

These  could  we  win,  our  praise  were  great  indeed." 

Such  converse  while  they  held,  the  twain  approach'd, 
Their  horses  urg'd  to  speed  ;  then  thus  began, 
To  Diomed,  Lycaon's  noble  son : 

"  Great  son  of  Tydeus,  warrior  brave  and  skill'd, 
My  shaft,  it  seems,  has  fail'd  to  reach  thy  life  ;      321 
Try  we  then  now  what  hap  attends  my  spear." 
He  said  ;  and,  poising,  hurl'd  his  pond'rous  spear, 
And  struck  Tydides'  shield ;  right  through  the  shield 
Drove  the  keen  weapon,  and  the  breastplate  reach'd. 

VOL.    I.  m 


162  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  V 

Then  shouted  loud  Lycaon's  noble  son  :  326 

"  Thou  hast  it  through  the  flank,  nor  canst  thou  long 
Survive  the  blow  :  great  glory  now  is  mine." 
To  whom,  unmov'd,  the  valiant  Diomed : 
"  Thine  aim  hath  failed,  I  am  not  touch'd  ;  and  now 
I  deem  we  part  not  hence  till  one  of  ye  331 


Glut  with  his  blood  th'  insatiate  Lord  of  War." 
He  said :  the  spear,  by  Pallas  guided,  struck 
Beside  the  nostril,  underneath  the  eye  ; 
Crash'd  thro'  the  teeth,  and  cutting  thro'  the  tongue 
Beneath  the  angle  of  the  jaw  came  forth  :  336 

Down  from  the  car  he  fell ;  and  loudly  rang 
His  glitt'ring  arms :  aside  the  startled  steeds 
Sprang  devious  :  from  his  limbs  the  spirit  fled. 
Down  leap'd  JEneas,  spear  and  shield  in  hand,      340 
Against  the  Greeks  to  guard  the  valiant  dead ; 
And  like  a  lion,  fearless  in  his  strength, 
Around  the  corpse  he  stalk'd,  this  way  and  that, 
His  spear  and  buckler  round  before  him  held, 
To  all  who  dar'd  approach  him  threat'ning  death,  31-5 
With  fearful  shouts  ;  a  rocky  fragment  then 
Tydides  lifted  up,  a  mighty  mass, 


Book  V.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  163 

Which  scarce  two  men  could  raise,  as  men  are  now  : 

But  he,  unaided,  lifted  it  with  ease. 

With  this  he  smote  ^Eneas  near  the  groin,  350 

Where  the  thigh-bone,  inserted  in  the  hip, 

Turns  in  the  socket-joint ;  the  rugged  mass 

The  socket  crush'd,  and  "both  the  tendons  broke, 

And  tore  away  the  flesh  :  down  on  his  knees-, 

Yet  resting  on  his  hand,  the  hero  fell ;  355 

And  o'er  his  eyes  the  shades  of  darkness  spread. 

Then  had  iEneas,  King  of  men,  been  slain, 

Had  not  his  mother,  Yenus,  child  of  Jove, 

Who  to  Anchises,  where  he  fed  his  flocks, 

The  hero  bore,  his  peril  quickly  seen :  360 

Around  her  son  she  threw  her  snowy  arms, 

And  with  a  veil,  thick-folded,  wrapt  him  round, 

From  hostile  spears  to  guard  him,  lest  some  Greek 

Should  pierce  his  breast,  and  rob  him  of  his  life. 

She  from  the  battle  thus  her  son  removed ;         365 
Nor  did  the  son  of  Capaneus  neglect 
The  strict  injunction  by  Tydides  giv'n ; 
His  reins  attaching  to  the  chariot-rail, 
Far  from  the  battle-din  he  check'd,  and  left, 


V 


164  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  Book  V. 

His  own  fleet  steeds  ;  then  rushing  forward,  seiz'd,370 

And  from  the  Trojans  tow'rd  the  camp  drove  off, 

The  sleek-skinn'd  horses  of  JEneas'  car. 

These  to  Deijrylus,  his  chosen  friend, 

He  gave,  of  all  his  comrades  best  esteem'd, 

Of  soundest  judgment,  tow'rd  the  ships  to  drive.    375 

Then,  his  own  car  remounting,  seiz'd  the  reins, 

And  urer'd  with  easier  haste  his  fierv  steeds, 

Seeking  Tydides  ;  he,  meanwhile,  press'd  on 

In  keen  pursuit  of  Yenus  ;  her  he  knew 

A  weak,  unwarlike  Goddess,  not  of  those  380 

That  like  Bellona  fierce,  or  Pallas,  range 

Exulting  through  the  blood-stain'd  fields  of  war. 

Her,  searching  thro'  the  crowd,  at  length  he  found, 
And  springing  forward,  with  his  pointed  spear 
A  wound  inflicted  on  her  tender  hand.  385 

Piercing  th'  ambrosial  veil,  the  Graces'  work, 
The  sharp  spear  graz'd  her  palm  below  the  wrist. 
Forth  from  the  wound  th'  immortal  current  flow'd, 
Pure  ichor,  life-stream  of  the  blessed  Gods  ; 
They  eat  no  bread,  they  drink  no  ruddy  wine,       390 
And  bloodless  thence  and  deathless  they  become. 


BookV.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  165 

The  Goddess  shriek'd  aloud,  and  dropp'd  her  son  ; 

But  in  Iris  arms  Apollo  bore  him  off 

In  a  thick  cloud  envelop'd,  lest  some  Greek 

Alight  pierce  his  breast,  and  rob  him  of  his  life.      395 

Loud  shouted  brave  Tydides,  as  she  fled  : 

"  Daughter  of  Jove,  from  battle-fields  retire  ; 

Enough  for  thee  weak  woman  to  delude  ; 

If  war  thou  seek'st,  the  lesson  thou  shalt  learn 

Shall  cause  thee  shudder  but  to  hear  it  nam'd."      400 

Thus  he  ;  but  ill  at  ease,  and  sorely  pain'd, 

The  Goddess  fled  :  her,  Iris,  swift  as  wind, 

Caught  up,  and  from  the  tumult  bore  away, 

Weeping  with  pain,  her  fair  skin  soil'd  with  blood. 

Mars  on  the  left  hand  of  the  battle-field  405 

She  found,  his  spear  reclining  by  his  side, 
And,  veil'd  in  cloud,  his  car  and  flying  steeds. 
Kneeling,  her  brother  she  besought  to  lend 
The  flying  steeds,  with  golden  frontlets  crown'd  : 
"  Dear  brother,  aid  me  hence,  and  lend  thy  car     410 
To  bear  me  to  Olyrnpus,  seat  of  Gods  ; 
Great  is  the  pain  I  suffer  from  a  wound 
Receiv'd  from  Diomed,  a  mortal  man, 


166  HOMER'S      ILIAD.  Book  Y. 

Who  now  would  dare  with  Jove  himself  to  fight." 

He  lent  the  steeds,  with  golden  frontlets  crown'd  ; 
In  deep  distress  she  mounted  on  the  car  :  416 

Beside  her  Iris  stood,  and  took  the  reins, 
And  nrg'd  the  coursers ;  nothing  loth  they  flew, 
And  soon  to  high  Olympus,  seat  of  Gods, 
They  came :  swift  Iris  there  the  coursers  stay'd,     420 
Loos'd  from  the  chariot,  and  before  them  plac'd 
Ambrosial  forage  :  on  her  mother's  lap, 
Dione,  Yenus  fell ;  she  in  her  arms 
Embrac'd,  and  sooth'd  her  with  her  hand,  and  said  : 
''"Which  of  the  heav'nly  pow'rs  hath  wrong'd  thee  thus, 
My  child,  as  guilty  of  some  open  shame  ?"  426 

Whom  answer'd  thus  the  laughter-loving  Queen ; 
"  The  haughty  son  of  Tydeus,  Diomed, 
Hath  wounded  me,  because  my  dearest  son, 
iEneas,  from  the  field  I  bore  away.  430 

No  more  'twixt  Greeks  and  Trojans  is  the  fight, 
But  with  the  Gods  themselves  the  Greeks  contend." 
To  whom  Dione,  heav'nly  Goddess,  thus  : 
"Have  patieuce,  dearest  child  ;  though  much  enforc'd, 
Restrain  thine  anger  :  we,  in  Heav'n  who  dwell,  435 


BookV.  HOMEE'S    ILIAD.  167 

Have  much  to  bear  from  mortals ;  and  ourselves 

Too  oft  upon  each  other  suff'rings  lay. 

Mars  had  his  suff'rings  ;  by  Aloeus'  sons, 

Otus  and  Ephialtes,  strongly  bound, 

He  thirteen  months  in  brazen  fetters  lay  :  44U 

And  there  had  pin'd  away  the  God  of  War, 

Insatiate  Mars,  had  not  their  step-mother, 

The  beauteous  Eribcea,  sought  the  aid 

Of  Hermes  ;  he  by  stealth  releas'd  the  God, 

Sore  worn  and  wasted  by  his  galling  chains.  445 

Juno  too  suffer'd,  when  Amphitryon's  son 

Through  her  right  breast  a  three-barb'd  arrow  sent : 

Dire,  and  unheard  of,  were  the  pangs  she  bore. 

Great  Pluto's  self  the  stinging  arrow  felt, 

"When  that  same  son  of  segis-bearing  Jove  450 

Assail'd  him  in  the  very  gates  of  hell, 

And  wrought  him  keenest  anguish  ;  pierc'd  with  pain 

To  high  Olympus,  to  the  courts  of  Jove, 

Groaning,  he  came  ;  the  bitter  shaft  remain'd 

Deep  in  his  shoulder  fix'd,  and  griev'd  his  soul.     455 

But  soon  with  soothing  ointments  Papon's  hand 

(For  death  on  him  was  powerless)  heal'd  the  wound. 


168  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  Book  V 

Accurs'd  was  lie,  of  daring  over-bold, 

Beckless  of  evil  deeds,  who  with  his  bow 

Assail'd  the  Gods,  who  on  Olympus  dwell.  460 

The  blue-ey'd  Pallas,  well  I  know,  has  urg'd 

Tydides  to  assail  thee ;  fool  and  blind  ! 

Unknowing  he  how  short  his  term  of  life 

Who  fights  against  the  Gods  !  for  him  no  child 

Upon  his  knees  shall  lisp  a  father's  name,  465 

Safe  from  the  war  and  battle-field  return'd. 

Brave  as  he  is,  let  Diomed  beware 

He  meet  not  some  more  dangerous  foe  than  thee. 


Then  fair  iEgiale,  Adrastus'  child, 

The  noble  wife  of  valiant  Diomed,  470 


Shall  long,  with  lamentations  loud,  disturb 
The  slumbers  of  her  house,  and  vainly  mourn 
Her  youthful  Lord,  the  bravest  of  the  Greeks." 

She  said  ;  and  wip'd  the  ichor  from  the  wound  ; 
The  hand  was  heal'd,  the  grievous  pains  allay'd.    475 
But  Juno  and  Minerva,  looking  on, 
"With  words  of  bitter  mock'ry  Saturn's  son 
Provok'd  :  and  thus  the  blue-ey'd  Goddess  spoke  : 
"  O  Father  !  may  I  speak  without  offence  ? 


. 


b«k>k  v.         HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  169 

Venus,  it  seems,  has  sought  to  lead  astray  480 

Some  Grecian  woman,  and  persuade  to  join 
Those  Trojans,  whom  she  holds  in  high  esteem  ; 
And,  as  her  hand  the  gentle  dame  caress'd, 
A  golden  clasp  has  scratch'd  her  slender  arm." 

Thus  she :  and  smil'd  the  Sire  of  Gods  and  men ;  4S5 
He  call'd  the  golden  Venus  to  his  side, 
And,  "  Not  to  thee,  my  child,"  he  said,  "  belong 
The  deeds  of  war  ;  do  thou  bestow  thy  care 
On  deeds  of  love,  and  tender  marriage  ties ; 
But  leave  to  Mars  and  Pallas  feats  of  arms."  490 

Such  converse  while  they  held,  brave  Diomed 
Again  assail'd  ^Eneas  ;  well  he  knew 
Apollo's  guardian  hand  around  him  thrown  ; 
Yet  by  the  God  undaunted,  on  he  press'd 
To  slay  JSneas,  and  his  arms  obtain.  495 

Thrice  was  his  onset  made,  with  murd'rous  aim  ; 
And  thrice  Apollo  struck  his  glitt'ring  shield  ; 
But  when,  with  godlike  force,  he  sought  to  make 
His  fourth  attempt,  the  Far-destroyer  spoke 
In  terms  of  awful  menace  :  "  Be  advis'd,  500 

Tydides,  and  retire  ;  nor  as  a  God 


170  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  V. 

Esteem  thyself;    since  not  alike  the  race 
Of  Gods  immortal  and  of  earth-born  men." 

He  said ;  and  Diomed  a  little  space 
Before  the  Ear-destroyer's  wrath  retir'd  :  505 

Apollo  then  JEneas  bore  away 
Far  from  the  tumult ;  and  in  Pergamus, 
Where  stood  his  sacred  shrine,  bestow'cl  him  safe. 
Latona  there,  and  Dian,  Archer-Queen, 
In  the  great  temple's  innermost  recess,  510 

Gave  to  his  wounds  their  care,  and  sooth'd  his  pride. 
Meanwhile  Apollo  of  the  silver  bow 
A  phantom  form  prepar'd,  the  counterpart 
Of  great  ./Eneas,  and  alike  in  arms  : 
Around  the  form,  of  Trojans  and  of  Greeks,  515 

Loud  was  the  din  of  battle  ;  fierce  the  strokes 
That  fell  on  rounded  shield  of  tough  bull's-hide. 
And  lighter  targe,  before  each  warrior's  breast. 
Then  thus  Apollo  to  the  God  of  War  : 
"Mars !  Mars !  thou  bane  of  mortals,  blood-stain'd  Lord, 
Eazer  of  cities,  wer't  not  well  thyself  521 

To  interpose,  and  from  the  battle-field 
Withdraw  this  chief,  Tydides  ?  such  his  pride, 


BookV.         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  171 

He  now  would  dare  with  Jove  himself  to  fight. 
Venus,  of  late,  he  wounded  in  the  wrist ;  525 

And,  like  a  God,  "but  now  confronted  me." 
He  said,  and  sat  on  Ilium's  topmost  height : 
While  Mars,  in  likeness  of  the  Thracian  chief, 
Swift  Acamas,  amid  the  Trojan  ranks 
Mov'd  to  and  fro,  and  urg'd  them  to  the  fight.         530 
To  Priam's  Heav'n-descended  sons  he  call'd  ; 
"  Te  sons  of  Priam,  Heav'n-descended  King, 
How  long  will  ye  behold  your  people  slain  ? 
Till  to  your  very  doors  the  war  be  brought  \ 
iEneas,  noble-soul'd  Anchises'  son,  535 

In  like  esteem  with  Hector  held,  is  down  ; 
On  to  his  aid  !  our  gallant  comrade  save  !  " 

He  said  ;  his  words  fresh  courage  gave  to  all : 
Then  thus  Sarpedon,  in  reproachful  tone, 
Address'd  the  godlike  Hector  :  "  Where  is  now,    540 
Hector,  the  spirit  that  heretofore  was  thine  ? 
'Twas  once  thy  boast  that  ev'n  without  allies 
Thyself,  thy  brethren,  and  thy  house,  alone 
The  city  could  defend  :  for  all  of  these 
I  look  in  vain,  and  see  not  one  ;  they  all,  545 


172  HOMER'S      ILIAD.  Book  V. 

As  curs  around  a  lion,  cow'r  and  crouch  : 

We,  strangers  and  allies,  maintain  the  light. 

I  to  your  aid,  from  lands  afar  remote, 

From  Lycia  came,  by  Xanthus'  eddying  stream  ; 

There  left  a  cherish'd  wife,  and  infant  son,  550 

And  rich  possessions,  which  might  envy  move  ; 

Yet  I  my  troops  encourage  ;  and  myself 

Have  play'd  my  part,  though  nought  have  I  to  lose, 

bought  that  the  Greeks  could  drive  or  bear  away ; 

But  thou  stand'st  idly  by;  nor  bidd'st  the  rest       555 

Maintain  their  ground,  and  guard  their  wives  and  homes. 

Beware  lest  ye,  as  in  the  meshes  caught 

Of  some  wide-sweeping  net,  become  the  prey 

And  booty  of  your  foes,  who  soon  shall  lay 

Your  prosp'rous  city  level  with  the  dust.  5G0 

By  day  and  night  should  this  thy  thoughts  engage, 

"With  constant  pray'r  to  all  thy  brave  allies, 

Firmly  to  stand,  and  wipe  this  shame  away." 

He  said  ;  and  Hector  felt  the  biting  speech  ; 
Down  from  his  car  he  leap'd ;  and  through  the  ranks, 
Two  jav'lins  brandishing,  he  pass'd,  to  arms  566 

Exciting  all,  and  rais'd  his  battle-cry. 


BoouV.         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  173 

The  tide  was  turn'd  ;  again  they  fac'd  the  Greeks  : 

In  serried  ranks  the  Greeks,  undaunted,  stood. 

As  when  the  wind  from  off  a  threshing-floor,  570 

Where  men  are  winnowing,  blows  the  chaff  away  ; 

When  yellow  Ceres  with  the  breeze  divides 

The  corn  and  chaff,  which  lies  in  whit'ning  heaps  ; 

So  thick  the  Greeks  were  whiten'd  o'er  with  dust, 

Which  to  the  brazen  vault  of  Heav'n  arose  575 

Beneath  the  horses'  feet,  that  with  the  crowd 

Were  mingled,  by  their  drivers  turn'd  to  flight. 

Unwearied  still,  they  bore  the  brunt ;  but  Mars 

The  Trojans  succouring,  the  battle-field 

Yeil'd  in  thick  clouds,  fromev'ry  quarter  brought.  580 

Thus  he  of  Phoebus  of  the  golden  sword 

Obey'd  th'  injunction,  bidding  him  arouse 

The  courage  of  the  Trojans,  when  he  saw 

Pallas  approaching  to  support  the  Greeks. 

Then  from  the  wealthy  shrine  Apollo's  self        585 
iEneas  brought,  and  vigour  fresh  infus'd  : 
Amid  his  comrades  once  again  he  stood  ; 
They  joy'd  to  see  him  yet  alive,  and  sound, 
And  full  of  vigour  ;  yet  no  question  ask'd  : 


174  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  Book  V. 

"No  time  for  question  then,  amid  the  toils  59C 

Impos'd  by  Phoebus  of  the  silver  bow, 

And  blood-stain'd  Mars,  and  Discord  unappeas'd. 

Meanwhile  Ulysses,  and  th'  Ajaces  both, 
And  Diomed,  with  courage  for  the  fight 
The  Grecian  force  inspir'd  ;  they  undismay'd  595 

Shrank  not  before  the  Trojans'  rush  and  charge  ; 
In  masses  firm  they  stood,  as  when  the  clouds 
Are  gather'd  round  the  misty  mountain  top 
By  Saturn's  son,  in  breathless  calm,  while  sleep 
The  force  of  Boreas  and  the  stormy  wiuds,  600 

That  with  their  breath  the  shadowy  clouds  disperse  ; 
So  stood  the  Greeks,  nor  shunn'd  the  Trojans'  charge. 
Through  all  the  army  Agamemnon  pass'd, 
>(     And  cried,  "  Brave  comrades,  quit  ye  now  like  men  ; 
Bear  a  stout  heart ;  and  in  the  stubborn  fight,        005 
Let  each  to  other  mutual  succour  give  ; 
By  mutual  succour  more  are  sav'd  than  fall ; 
In  timid  flight  nor  fame  nor  safety  lies." 

Thus  he  :  and  straight  his  jav'lin  threw,  and  struck 
A  man  of  mark,  Eneas'  faithful  friend,  610 

Deicoon,  the  son  of  Pergasus, 


BookV.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  175 

By  Troy,  as  ever  foremost  in  the  field, 

In  equal  honour  held  with  Priam's  sons. 

His  shield  the  monarch  Agamemnon  struck ; 

The  shield's  defence  was  vain;  the  spear  pas&'d  through 

Beneath  the  belt,  and  in  his  groin  was  lodg'd  ;        616 

Thund'ring  he  fell,  and  loud  his  armour  rang. 

On  th'  other  side,  ^Eneas  slew  two  chiefs, 
The  bravest  of  the  Greeks,  Orsilochus 
And  Crethon,  sons  of  Diodes,  who  dwelt  620 

In  thriving  Phera  ;  rich  in  substance  he, 
And  from  the  mighty  River  Alpheus  trae'd 
His  high  descent,  who  through  the  Pylian  land 
His  copious  waters  pours  ;  to  him  was  born 
Orsilochus,  of num'rous  tribes  the  chief;  625 

To  him  succeeded  valiant  Diodes  ; 
To  whom  were  born  twin  sons,  Orsilochus 
And  Crethon,  skill'd  in  ev'ry  point  of  war. 
They,  in  the  vigour  of  their  youth,  to  Troy 
Had  sail'd  amid  the  dark-ribb'd  ships  of  Greece,    630 
Of  Atreus'  sons  the  quarrel  to  uphold  ; 
But  o'er  them  both  the  shades  of  death  were  spread. 
As  two  young  lions,  by  their  tawny  dam 


176  HOMER'S      ILIAD.         Book  V. 

Nurs'd  in  the  mountain  forest's  deep  recess, 

On  flocks  and  herds  their  youthful  fury  pour,         635 

"With  havoc  to  the  sheepfolds,  till  themselves 

Succumb,  o'ermaster'd  by  the  hand  of  man  : 

So  fell  these  two  beneath  ^Eneas'  hand, 

And  like  two  lofty  pines  in  death  they  lay. 

The  warlike  Meneliius  saw  their  fall  640 

With  pitying  eye  ;  and  through  the  foremost  ranks 
With  brandish'd  spear  advane'd,  by  Mars  impell'd, 
Who  hop'd  his  death  by  great  ^Eneas'  hand. 
Him  Nestor's  son,  Antilochus,  beheld, 
And  hasten'd  to  his  aid  ;  for  much  he  fear'd  645 

Lest  ill  befall  the  monarch,  and  his  death 
Deprive  them  of  their  warlike  labours'  fruit. 
They  two,  with  force  combined  of  hand  and  spear, 
Press'd  onward  to  the  fight ;  Antilochus 
His  station  keeping  close  beside  the  King.  650 

Before  the  two  combined,  JEneas  fear'd, 
Bold  warrior  as  he  was,  to  hold  his  ground. 
The  slain  they  drew  within  the  Grecian  lines, 
Placed  in  their  comrades'  hands,  and  turning  back 
Amid  the  foremost  mingled  in  the  fray.  655 


BookV.  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  177 

Then,  brave  as  Mars,  Pylaemenes  they  slew, 

The  bucHer'd  Paphlagonians'  warlike  chief; 

Him  Men elaus,  hand  to  hand  engag'd, 

Pierc'cl  with  a  spear-thrust  through  the  collar-bone  ; 

While,  with  a  pond'rous  stone,  Antilochus  660 

Full  on  the  elbow  smote  Atymnius'  son, 

Mydon,  his  charioteer,  in  act  to  turn 

His  fiery  steeds  to  flight ;  down  from  his  hands 

Tell  to  the  ground  the  iv'ry-mounted  reins. 

On  rush'd  Antilochus,  and  with  his  sword  665 

Across  the  temples  smote  him  ;  gasping,  he 

Upon  his  neck  and  shoulders  from  the  car 

Pitch'd  headlong ;  and  (for  there  the  sand  was  deep) 

Awhile  stood  balanc'd,  till  the  horses'  feet 

Dash'd  him  upon  the  ground  ;  Antilochus,  670 

The  horses  seizing,  drove  them  to  the  ships. 

Hector  beheld  athwart  the  ranks,  and  rush'd, 
Loud  shouting,  to  th'  encounter ;  at  his  back 
Folio w'd  the  thronging  bands  of  Troy,  by  Mars 
And  tierce  Bellona  led ;  she  by  the  hand  675 

Wild  Uproar  held  ;  while  Mars  a  giant  spear 
Brandish'd  aloft :  and  stalking  now  before, 

VOL.  I.  N 


178  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  V. 

Now  following  after  Hector,  urg'd  them  on. 
Quail' d  at  the  sight  the  valiant  Diomed  : 
As  when  a  man,  long  journeying  o'er  the  plain,      680 
All  unprepar'd,  stands  sudden  on  the  brink 
Of  a  swift  stream,  down  rushing  to  the  sea, 
Boiling  with  foam,  and  back  recoils  ;  so  then 
Recoil'd  Tydides,  and  address'd  the  crowd  : 
"  O  friends,  we  maiwel  at  the  might  display'd         685 
By  Hector,  spearman  skill'd  and  warrior  bold  ; 
But  still  some  guardian  God  his  steps  attends, 
And  shields  from  danger  ;  now  beside  him  stands, 
In  likeness  of  a  mortal,  Mars  himself. 
Then  turning  still  your  faces  to  your  foes,  690 

Retire,  nor  venture  with  the  Gods  to  fight." 
.  He  said ;  the  Trojans  now  were  close  at  hand, 
And,  mounted  both  upon  a  single  car, 
Two  chiefs,  Menesthes  and  Anchialus, 
"Well  skill'd  in  war,  by  Hector's  hand  were  slain.   695 

With  pitying  eyes  great  Ajax  Telamon 
Beheld  their  fall ;  advancing  close,  he  threw 
His  glitt'ring  spear ;  the  son  of  Selagus 
It  struck,  Amphius,  who  in  Psesus  dwelt. 


BookV.  IIOMEK'S     ILIAD.  179 

In  land  and  substance  rich  ;  by  evil  fate  700 

Trnpell'd,  to  Priam's  house  he  brought  his  aid. 
Below  the  belt  the  spear  of  Ajax  struck, 
And  in  his  groin  the  point  was  buried  deep  ; 
Thund'ring  he  fell;  then  forward  Ajax  sprang 
To  seize  the  spoils  of  war  ;  but  fast  and  fierce         705 
The  Trojans  show'r'd  their  weapons  bright  and  keen, 
And  many  a  lance  the  mighty  shield  receiv'd. 
Ajax,  his  foot  firm  planted  on  the  slain, 
Withdrew  the  brazen  spear ;  yet  could  not  strip 
His  armour  off,  so  galling  flew  the  shafts  ;  710 

And  much  he  fear'd  his  foes  might  hem  him  in, 
Who  closely  press'd  upon  him,  many  and  brave  ; 
And,  valiant  as  he  was,  and  tall,  and  strong, 
Still  drove  him  backward ;  he  perforce  retired. 

Thus  labour'd  they  amid  the  stubborn  fight.        715 
Then  evil  fate  indue'd  Tlepolemus, 
Yaliant  and  strong,  the  son  of  Hercules, 
Heav'n-born  Sarpedon  to  confront  in  fight. 
When  near  they  came,  of  cloud-compelling  Jove 
Grandson  and  son,  Tlepolemus  began  :  720 

u  Sarpedon,  Lycian  chief,  what  brings  thee  here, 


180  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  V. 

Trembling  and  crouching,  all  unskill'd  in  war  ? 

Falsely  they  speak  who  fable  thee  the  son 

Of  aegis-bearing  Jove  ;  so  far  art  thon 

Beneath  their  mark  who  claim'd  in  elder  days       725 

That  royal  lineage  :  such  my  father  was, 

Of  courage  resolute,  of  lion  heart. 

With  but  six  ships,  and  with  a  scanty  band, 

The  horses  by  Laomedon  withheld 

Avenging,  he  o'erthrew  this  city,  Troy,  730 

And  made  her  streets  a  desert ;  but  thy  soul 

Is  poor,  thy  troops  are  wasting  fast  away  ; 

JNor  deem  I  that  the  Trojans  will  in  thee 

(Ev'n  were  thy  valour  more)  and  Lycia's  aid 

Their  safeguard  find ;  but  vanquish'd  by  my  hand,  735 

This  day  the  gates  of  Hades  thou  shalt  pass." 

To  whom  the  Lycian  chief,  Sarpedon,  thus  : 
"  Tlepolemus,  the  sacred  walls  of  Troy 
Thy  sire  o'erthrew,  by  folly  of  one  man, 
Laomedon,  who  with  injurious  words  740 

His  noble  service  recompens'd ;  nor  gave 
The  promis'd  steeds,  for  which  he  came  from  far. 
For  thee,  I  deem  thou  now  shalt  meet  thy  doom 


BookY.         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  181 

Here,  at  my  hand ;  on  thee  my  spear  shall  win 
Renown  for  me,  thy  soul  to  Hades  send."  745 

Tims  as  Sarpedon  spoke,  Tlepolenras 
Uprais'd  his  ashen  spear  ;  from  both  their  hands 
The  pond'rons  weapons  simultaneous  flew. 
Full  in  the  throat  Tlepolemus  receiv'd 
Sarpedon's  spear ;  right  through  the  neck  it  pass'd,  750 
And  o'er  his  eyes  the  shades  of  death  were  spread. 
On  th'  other  side  his  spear  Sarpedon  struck 
On  the- left  thigh  ;  the  eager  weapon  pass'd 
Right  through  the  flesh,  and  in  the  bone  was  fix'd  ; 
The  stroke  of  death  his  father  turn'd  aside.  755 

Sarpedon  from  the  field  his  comrades  bore, 
Weigh'd  down  and  tortured  by  the  trailing  speai  , 
For,  in  their  haste  to  bear  him  to  his  car, 
Not  one  bethought  him  from  his  thigh  to  draw 
The  weapon  forth  ;  so  sorely  were  they  press'd.     760 

The  Greeks  too  from  the  battle-field  convey'd 
The  slain  Tlepolemus  ;  Ulysses  saw, 
Patient  of  spirit,  but  deeply  mov'd  at  heart ; 
And  with  conflicting  thoughts  his  breast  was  torn, 
If  first  he  should  pursue  the  Thund'rer's  son,         765 


182  HOMEE'S      ILIAD.  Book  V 


Or  deal  destruction  on  the  Lycian  host. 

But  fate  had  not  decreed  the  valiant  son 

Of  Jove  to  fall  "beneath  Ulysses'  hand ; 

So  on  the  Lycians  Pallas  torn'd  his  wrath. 

Alastor  then,  and  Cceranus  he  slew,  770 

Chromius,  Alcander,  Halius,  Prytanis, 

Koemon  :  nor  had  ended  then  the  list 

Of  Lycian  warriors  by  Ulysses  slain ; 

But  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  beheld  ; 

Through  the  front  ranks  he  rush'd,  withburnish'd  crest 

Resplendent,  flashing  terror  on  the  Greeks  ;  776 

With  joy  Sarpedon  saw  his  near  approach, 

And  with  imploring  tones  address'd  him  thus  : 

"  Hector,  thou  son  of  Priam,  leave  me  not 
A  victim  to  the  Greeks,  but  lend  thine  aid  :  780 

Then  in  your  city  let  me  end  my  days  : 
For  not  to  me  is  giv'n  again  to  see 
My  native  land  ;  or,  safe  returning  home, 
To  glad  my  sorrowing  wife  and  infant  child." 

Thus  he  ;  but  Hector,  answ'ring  not  a  word,       785 
Pass  d  on  in  silence,  hasting  to  pursue 
The  Greeks,  and  pour  destruction  on  their  host. 


BookV.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  183 

Beneath  the  oak  of  segis-bearing  Jove 
His  faithful  comrades  laid  Sarpedon  down, 
And  from  his  thigh  the  valiant  Pelagon,  790 

His  lov'd  companion,  drew  the  ashen  spear. 
fie  swoon'd.  and  giddy  mists  o'erspread  his  eyes  : 
But  soon  reviv'd,  as  on  his  forehead  blew, 
While  yet  he  gasp'd  for  breath,  the  cooling  breeze. 

By  Mars  and  Hector  of  the  brazen  helm  795 

^he  Greeks  hard-press'd,  yet  fled  not  to  their  ships, 
ISfor  yet  sustain'd  the  fight ;  but  back  retir'd 
Soon  as  they  learned  the  presence  of  the  God. 
Say  then  who  first,  who  last,  the  prowess  felt 
Of  Hector,  Priam's  son,  and  mail-clad  Mars  ?         S00 
The  godlike  Teuthras  first,  Orestes  next, 
Bold  charioteer  ;  th'  iEtolian  spearman  skill'd, 
Trechus,  QSnomaus,  and  Helenns, 
The  son  of  CEnops  ;  and  Oresbius,  girt 
With  sparkling  girdle  ;  he  in  Hyla  dwelt,  805 

The  careful  Lord  of  boundless  wealth,  beside 
Cephisus'  marshy  banks  ;  Boeotia's  chiefs 
Around  him  dwelt,  on  fat  and  fertile  soil. 
Juno,  the  white-arm'd  Queen,  who  saw  these  two 


184:  HOMER'S      ILIAD.  Book  V. 

The  Greeks  destroying  in  the  stubborn  fight,  810 

To  Pallas  thus  her  winged  words  address'd  : 
"  O  Heav'n  !  brave  child  of  ssgis-bearing  Jove, 
Vain  was  our  word  to  Menelaus  giv'n. 
That  he  the  well-built  walls  of  Troy  should  raze, 
And  safe  return,  if  unrestrain'd  we  leave  815 

Ferocious  Mars  to  urge  his  mad  career. 
Come  then  ;  let  us  too  mingle  in  the  fray." 

She  said  :  and  Pallas,  blue-ey'd  Maid,  complied. 
Offspring  of  Saturn,  Juno,  heav'nly  Queen, 
Herself  th'  immortal  steeds  caparison'd,  820 

Adorn'd  with  golden  frontlets  :  to  the  car 
Hebe  the  circling  wheels  of  brass  attach'd, 
Eight-spok'd,  that  on  an  iron  axle  turn'd  ; 
The  felloes  were  of  gold,  and  fitted  round 
"With  brazen  tires,  a  marvel  to  behold  ;  825 

The  naves  were  silver,  rounded  every  way  : 
The  chariot-board  on  gold  and  silver  bands 
Was  hung,  and  round  it  ran  a  double  rail : 
The  pole  was  all  of  silver  ;  at  the  end 
A  golden  yoke,  with  golden  yoke-bands  fair  :         830 
And  Juno,  all  on  fire  to  join  the  fray, 


Book  V.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  185 

Beneath  the  yoke  the  flying  coursers  led. 

Pallas,  the  child  of  aegis-bearing  Jove, 
Within  her  father's  threshold  dropp'd  her  veil, 
Of  airy  texture,  work  of  her  own  hands ;  835 

The  cuirass  donn'd  of  cloud-compelling  Jove, 
And  stood  accoutred  for  the  bloody  fray. 
Her  tassell'd  regis  round  her  shoulders  next 
She  threw,  with  Terror  circled  all  around ; 
And  on  its  face  were  figur'd  deeds  of  arms,  840 

And  Strife,  and  Courage  high,  and  panic  Rout ; 
There  too  a  Gorgon's  head,  of  monstrous  size, 
Frown'd  terrible,  portent  of  angry  Jove  : 
And  on  her  head  a  golden  helm  she  plac'd, 
Four-crested,  double-peak'd,  whose  ample  verge     845 
A  hundred  cities'  champions  might  suffice : 
Her  fiery  car  she  mounted  :  in  her  hand 
A  spear  she  bore,  long,  weighty,  tough ;  wherewith 
The  mighty  daughter  of  a  mighty  sire 
Sweeps  down  the  ranks  of  those  her  hate  pursues.  850 

Then  Juno  sharply  touch'd  the  flying  steeds : 
Forthwith  spontaneous  opening,  grated  harsh 
The  heavenly  portals,  guarded  by  the  Hours, 


186  HOMER'S      ILIAD.  Book  V. 

Who  Heav'n  and  high  Olympus  have  in  charge 

To  roll  aside,  or  draw  the  veil  of  cloud.  855 

Through  these  th'  excited  horses  held  their  way. 

They  found  the  son  of  Saturn,  from  the  Gods 

Sitting  apart,  upon  the  highest  crest 

Of  many-ridg'd  Olympus  ;  there  arriv'd, 

The  white-arm'd  Goddess  Juno  stav'd  her  steeds,  860 

And  thus  address'd  the  Sov'reign  Lord  of  Heav'n  : 

"  0  Father  Jove  !  canst  thou  behold  unmov'd 
The  violence  of  Mars  ?  how  many  Greeks, 
Reckless  and  uncontroll'd,  he  hath  destroy'd ; 
To  me  a  source  of  bitter  grief;  meanwhile  865 

Yenus  and  Phoebus  of  the  silver  bow 
Look  on,  well  pleas'd,  who  sent  this  madman  forth, 
To  whom  both  law  and  justice  are  unknown. 
Say,  Father  Jove,  shall  I  thine  anger  move, 
If  with  disgrace  I  drive  him  from  the  field  ?"  870 

To  whom  the  Cloud-compeller  thus  replied  : 
"  Go,  send  against  him  Pallas  ;  she,  I  know, 
Hath  oft  inflicted  on  him  grievous  pain." 

He  said  :  the  white-arm'd  Queen  with  joy  obey'd  ; 
She  urg'd  her  horses  ;  nothing  loth,  they  flew         875 


BookV.         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  187 

Midway  between  the  earth  and  starry  Heav'n  : 

Far  as  his  sight  extends,  who  from  on  high 

Looks  from  his  watch-tow'r  o'er  the  dark-blue  sea, 

So  far  at  once  the  neighing  horses  bound. 

But  when  to  Troy  they  came,  beside  the  streams  880 

"Where  Simois'and  Scamander's  waters  meet, 

The  white-arm'd  Goddess  stay'd  her  flying  steeds, 

Loos'd  from  the  car,  and  veil'd  in  densest  cloud. 

For  them,  at  bidding  of  the  river-God, 

Ambrosial  forage  grew  :  the  Goddesses,  885 

Swift  as  the  wild  wood-pigeon's  rapid  flight, 

Sped  to  the  battle-field  to  aid  the  Greeks. 

But  when  they  reach'd  the  thickest  of  the  fray, 

Where  throng'd  around  the  might  of  Diomed 

The  bravest  and  the  best,  as  lions  fierce,  890 

Or  forest-boars,  the  mightiest  of  their  kind, 

There  stood  the  white-arm'd  Queen,  and  call'd  aloud, 

In  form  of  Stentor,  of  the  brazen  voice, 

Whose  shout  was  as  the  shout  of  fifty  men  : 

"  Shame  on  ye,  Greeks,  base  cowards  !  brave  alone 
In  outward  semblance  ;  while  Achilles  yet  890 

Went  forth  to  battle,  from  the  Dardan  gates 


188  HOMEE'S      ILIAD.  Book  V, 

The  Trojans  never  ventur'd  to  advance, 


So  dreaded  they  his  pond'rous  spear  ;  but  now 

Far  from  the  walls,  beside  your  ships,  they  fight."  900 

She  said  :  her  words  their  drooping  courage  rous'd. 
Meanwhile  the  blue-ey'd  Pallas  went  in  haste 
In  search  of  Tydeus'  son  ;  beside  his  car 
She  found  the  King,  in  act  to  cool  the  wound 
Inflicted  by  the  shaft  of  Pandarus  :  905 

Beneath  his  shield's  broad  belt  the  clogging  sweat 
Oppress'd  him,  and  his  arm  was  faint  with  toil ; 
The  belt  was  lifted  up,  and  from  the  wound 
He  wip'd  the  clotted  blood  :  beside  the  car 
The  Goddess  stood,  and  touch'd  the  yoke,  and  said : 

"  Little  like  Tydeus'  self  is  Tydeus'  son  :  911 

Low  was  his  stature,  but  his  spirit  was  high  : 
And  ev'n  when  I  from  combat  rashly  wag'd 
"Would  fain  have  kept  him  back,  what  time  in  Thebes 
He  found  himself,  an  envoy  and  alone,  915 

Without  support,  among  the  Thebans  all, 
I  counsell'd  him  in  peace  to  share  the  feast : 
But  by  his  own  impetuous  courage  led, 


He  challenged  all  the  Thebans  to  contend 


. 


Book  V.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  189 

With  him  in  wrestling,  and  o'erthrew  them  all      920 

With  ease  ;  so  mighty  was  the  aid  I  gave. 

Thee  now  I  stand  beside,  and  guard  from  harm, 

And  hid  thee  boldly  with  the  Trojans  fight. 

But,  if  the  labours  of  the  battle-field 

O'ertask  thy  limbs,  or  heartless  fear  restrain,  925 

No  issue  thou  of  valiant  Tydeus'  loins." 

"Whom  answer'd  thus  the  valiant  Diomed  : 
'  I  know  thee,  Goddess,  who  thou  art ;  the  child 
Of  a}gis-bearing  Jove  :  to  thee  my  mind 
I  freely  speak,  nor  aught  will  I  conceal.  930 

Nor  heartless  fear,  nor  hesitating  doubt, 
Restrain  me  ;  but  I  bear  thy  words  in  mind, 
With  other  of  th'  Immortals  not  to  fight : 
But  should  Jove's  daughter,  Yenus,  dare  the  fray, 
At  her  I  need  not  shun  to  throw  my  spear.  935 

Therefore  I  thus  withdrew,  and  others  too 
Exhorted  to  retire,  since  Mars  himself 
[  saw  careering  o'er  the  battle-field." 

To  whom  the  blue-ey'd  Goddess,  Pallas,  thus  : 
;'  Thou  son  of  Tydeus,  dearest  to  my  soul,  940 

Fear  now  no  more  with  Mars  himself  to  fight, 


190  HOMER'S     ILIAD.         Book  V. 

ISTor  other  God ;  such  aid  will  I  bestow. 

Come  then  ;  at  him  the  first  direct  thy  car  ; 

Encounter  with  him  hand  to  hand  ;  nor  fear 

To  strike  this  madman,  this  incarnate  curse,  945 

This  shameless  renegade  j  who  late  agreed 

With  Juno  and  with  me  to  combat  Troy, 

And  aid  the  Grecian  cause  ;  who  now  appears, 

The  Greeks  deserting,  in  the  Trojan  ranks." 

Thus  Pallas  spoke,  and  stretching  forth  her  hand. 
Backward  his  comrade  Sthenelus  she  drew  951 

From  off  the  chariot ;  down  in  haste  he  sprang. 
His  place  beside  the  valiant  Diomed 
The  eager  Goddess  took  ;  beneath  the  weight 
Loud  groan'd  the  oaken  axle  ;  for  the  car  955 

A  mighty  Goddess  and  a  Hero  bore. 
Then  Pallas  took  the  whip  and  reins,  and  urg'd 
Direct  at  Mars  the  fiery  coursers'  speed. 

The  bravest  of  th'  JEtolians,  Periphas, 
Ochesius'  stalwart  son,  he  just  had  slain,  9G0 

And  stood  in  act  to  strip  him  of  his  arms. 
The  helmet  then  of  Darkness  Pallas  donn'd, 
To  hide  her  presence  from  the  sight  of  Mars : 


BookY.         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  191 

But  when  the  blood-stain'd  God  of  War  beheld 
Advancing  tow'rd  him  godlike  Diomed,  965 

The  corpse  of  stalwart  Periphas  he  left, 
There  where  he  fell,  to  lie  ;  while  he  himself 
Of  valiant  Diomed  th'  encounter  met. 
When  near  they  came,  first  Mars  his  pond'rous  spear 
Advanc'd  beyond  the  yoke  and  horses'  reins,  970 

With  rnurd'rous  aim  ;  but  Pallas  from  the  car 
[Turn'd  it  aside,  and  foil'd  the  vain  attempt. 
Then  Diomed  thrust  forward  in  his  turn 
His  pond'rous  spear ;  low  on  the  flank  of  Mars, 
Gruided  by  Pallas,  with  successful  aim,  975 

I  Just  where  the  belt  was  girt,  the  weapon  struck  : 
[t  pierc'd  the  flesh,  and  straight  was  back  withdrawn  : 
Then  Mars  cried  out  aloud,  with  such  a  shout 
As  if  nine  thousand  or  ten  thousand  men 
Should  simultaneous  raise  their  battle-cry  :  9S0 

Trojans  and  Greeks  alike  in  terror  heard, 
Trembling  ;  so  fearful  was  the  cry  of  Mars. 
As  black  with  clouds  appears  the  darken'd  air, 
When  after  heat  the  blust'ring  winds  arise, 
So  Mars  to  valiant  Diomed  appear'd,  985 


192  HOMEE'S    ILIAD.  Book  v. 

As  in  thick  clouds  lie  took  his  heav'nward  flight. 
With  speed  he  came  to  great  Olympus'  heights, 
Th'  abode  of  Gods  ;  and  sitting  by  the  throne 
Of  Saturn's  son,  with  anguish  torn,  he  show'd 
Th'  immortal  stream  that  trickled  from  the  wound,  990 
And  thus  to  Jove  his  piteous  words  address'd : 

"  O  Father  Jove,  canst  thou  behold  unmov'd 
These  acts  of  violence  ?  the  greatest  ills 
We  Gods  endure,  we  each  to  other  owe 
Who  still  in  human  quarrels  interpose.  995 

Of  thee  we  all  complain  ;  thy  senseless  child 
Is  ever  on  some  evil  deed  intent. 
The  other  Gods,  who  on  Olympus  dwell, 
Are  all  to  thee  obedient  and  submiss  ; 
But  thy  pernicious  daughter,  nor  by  word  1000 

Nor  deed  dost  thou  restrain  ;  who  now  excites 
Th'  o'erbearing  son  of  Tydeus,  Diomed, 
Upon  th'  immortal  Gods  to  vent  his  rage. 
Venus  of  late  he  wounded  in  the  wrist, 
And,  as  a  God,  but  now  encounter'd  me  :  1095 

Barely  I  'scap'd  by  swiftness  of  my  feet; 
Else,  'mid  a  ghastly  heap  of  corpses  slain, 


', 


BookV.         HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  193 

In  anguish  had  I  lain  ;  and,  if  alive, 
Yet  liv'd  disabl'd  by  his  weapon's  stroke." 

"Whom  answer'd  thus  the  Cloud-compeller,  Jove, 
With  look  indignant :  "  Come  no  more  to  me,      1011 
Thou  wav'ring  turncoat,  with  thy  whining  pray'rs  : 
Of  all  the  Gods  who  on  Olympus  dwell 
I  hate  thee  most ;  for  thou  delight'st  in  nought 
But  strife  and  war  ;  thou  hast  inherited  1015 

Thy  mother,  Juno's,  proud,  unbending  mood, 
WTiom  I  can  scarce  control ;  and  thou,  methinks, 
To  her  suggestions  ow'st  thy  present  plight. 
Yet  since  thou  art  my  offspring,  and  to  me 
Thy  mother  bore  thee,  I  must  not  permit  1020 

That  thou  should'st  long  be  doom'd  to  suffer  pain  ; 
But  had  thy  birth  been  other  than  it  is, 
For  thy  misdoings  thou  hadst  long  ere  now 
Been  banish'd  from  the  Gods'  companionship." 

He  said  :  and  straight  to  Paeon  gave  command 

To  heal  the  wound ;  with  soothing  anodynes        1026 

He  heal'd  it  quickly  ;  soon  as  liquid  milk 

Is  curdled  by  the  fig-tree's  juice,  and  turns 

In  whirling  flakes,  so  soon  was  heal'd  the  wound. 
VOL    i.  0 


194  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  V. 

By  Hebe  bath'd,  and  rob'd  afresh,  he  sat  1030 

In  health  and  strength  restor'd,  by  Saturn's  son.- 

Mars  thus  arrested  in  his  murd'rous  course. 
Together  to  th'  abode  of  Jove  return'd 
The  Queen  of  Argos  and  the  blue-ey'd  Maid.        1034 


ARGUMENT. 

THE    EPISODES    OP    GLATTCUS    AND    DIOMED,    AND    OP    HECTOR 
AND  ANDROMACHE. 

The  gods  having  left  the  field,  the  Grecians  prevail.  Helenus,  the 
chief  augur  of  Troy,  commands  Hector  to  return  to  the  city,  in 
order  to  appoint  a  solemn  procession  of  the  Queen  and  the  Tro- 
jan matrons  to  the  temple  of  Minerva,  to  entreat  her  to  remove 
Diomed  from  the  fight.  The  battle  relaxing  during  the  absence 
of  Hector,  Glaucus  and  Diomed  have  an  interview  between  the 
two  armies ;  where,  coming  to  the  knowledge  of  the  friendship 
and  hospitality  past  between  their  ancestors,  they  make  exchange 
of  their  arms.  Hector,  having  performed  the  orders  of  Helenus, 
prevailed  iipon  Paris  to  return  to  the  battle,  and  taken  a  tender 
leave  of  his  wife  Andromache,  hastens  again  to  the  field. 

The  scene  is  first  in  the  field  of  battle,  between  the  rivers  Simois  and 
Scamander,  and  then  changes  to  Troy. 


Book  VI.  HOMEE'S    ILIAD.  197 


BOOK    VI. 

rFHE  Gods  had  left  the  field,  and  o'er  the  plain 

Hither  and  thither  surg'd  the  tide  of  war, 
As  couch'd  th'  opposing  chiefs  their  brass-tipp'd  spears, 
Midway  'twixt  Simois'  and  Scamander's  streams. 

First  through  the  Trojan  phalanx  broke  his  way    5 
The  son  of  Telamon,  the  prop  of  Greece, 
The  mighty  Ajax  ;  on  his  friends  the  light 
Of  triumph  shedding,  as  Eusorus'  son 
He  smote,  the  noblest  of  the  Thracian  bands, 
Yaliant  and  strong,  the  gallant  Acamas.  10 

Full  in  the  front,  beneath  the  plumed  helm, 
The  sharp  spear  struck,  and  crashing  thro'  the  bone, 
The  warrior's  eyes  were  clos'd  in  endless  night. 

Next  valiant  Diomed  Axylus  slew, 
The  son  of  Teuthranes,  who  had  his  home  15 

In  fair  Arisba  ;  rich  in  substance  he, 
And  lov'd  of  all ;  for,  dwelling  near  the  road, 


198  HOMEK'S    ILIAD.        Book  VI 


He  op'd  to  all  liis  hospitable  gate  ; 

But  none  of  all  he  entertain'd  was  there 

To  ward  aside  the  bitter  doom  of  death  :  20 

There  fell  they  both,  he  and  his  charioteer, 

Calesius,  who  athwart  the  battle-field 

His  chariot  drove  ;  one  fate  o'ertook  them  both. 

Then  Dresus  and  Opheltius  of  their  arms 
Euryalus  despoil'd  ;  his  hot  pursuit  25 

.SCsepus  next,  and  Pedasus  assail'd, 
Brothers,  whom  Abarbarea,  Naiad  nymph, 
To  bold  Bucolion  bore  ;  Bucolion,  son 
Of  great  Laomedon,  his  eldest  born, 
I     Though  bastard  :  he  upon  the  mountain  side,  30 

On  which  his  flocks  he  tended,  met  the  nymph, 
And  of  their  secret  loves  twin  sons  were  born  ; 
"WTiom  now  at  once  Euryalus  of  strength 
And  life  depriv'd,  and  of  their  armour  stripp'd. 

By  Polypcetes'  hand,  in  battle  strong,  35 

"Was  slain  Astyalus  ;  Pidutes  fell, 
Chief  of  Percote,  by  Ulysses'  spear  ; 
And  Teucer  godlike  Aretaon  slew. 
Antilochus,  the  son  of  ISTestor,  smote 


tJooxVl.         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  199 

With  gleaming  lance  Ablerus  ;  Elatus  40 

By  Agamemnon,  King  of  men,  was  slain, 

Who  dwelt  bj  Satnois'  widely-flowing  stream, 

Upon  the  lofty  heights  of  Pedasus. 

By  Leitus  was  Phylacus  in  flight 

O'erta'en  ;  Eurypylus  Melanthins  slew.  45 

Then  Menelaus,  good  in  battle,  took 
Adrastus  captive  ;  for  his  horses,  scar'd 
And  rushing  wildly  o'er  the  plain,  amid 
The  tangled  tamarisk  scrub  his  chariot  broke, 
Snapping  the  pole  \  they  with  the  flying  crowd        50 
Held  city-ward  their  course ;  he  from  the  car 
HuiTd  headlong,  prostrate  lay  beside  the  wheel, 
Prone  on  his  face  in  dust ;  and  at  his  side, 
Poising  his  mighty  spear,  Atrides  stood. 
Adrastus  clasp'd  his  knees,  and  suppliant  cried,        55 
"  Spare  me,  great  son  of  Atreus  !  for  my  life 
Accept  a  price  ;  my  wealthy  father's  house 
A  goodly  store  contains  of  brass,  and  gold, 
And  well- wrought  iron  ;  and  of  these  he  fain 
"Would  pay  a  noble  ransom,  could  he  hear  60 

That  in  the  Grecian  ships  I  yet  surviv'd." 


200  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  VI 

His  words  to  pity  mov'd  the  victor's  breast ; 
Then  had  he  bade  his  followers  to  the  ships 
The  captive  bear  ;  but  running  up  in  haste, 
Fierce  Agamemnon  cried  in  stern  rebuke  ;  65 

"  Soft-hearted  Menelaus,  why  of  life 
So  tender  ?     Hath  thy  house  receiv'd  iudeed 
Nothing  but  benefits  at  Trojan  hands  ? 
Of  that  abhorred  race,  let  not  a  man 
Escape  the  deadly  vengeance  of  our  arms  ;  70 

No,  not  the  infant  in  its  mother's  womb  ; 
No,  nor  the  fugitive  ;  but  be  they  all, 
They  and  their  city,  utterly  destroyed, 
Uncar'd  for,  and  from  mem'ry  blotted  out." 

Thus  as  he  spoke,  his  counsel,  fraught  with  death, 
His  brother's  purpose  chang'd  ;  he  with  his  hand     76 
Adrastus  thrust  aside,  whom  with  his  lance 
Fierce  Agamemnon  through  the  loins  transfix'd  ; 
And,  as  he  roll'd  in  death,  upon  his  breast 
Planting  his  foot,  the  ashen  spear  withdrew.  8C 

Then  loudly  Nestor  shouted  to  the  Greeks  : 
"  Friends,  Grecian  heroes,  ministers  of  Mar?  ! 
Loiter  not  now  behind,  to  throw  yourselves 


Book  VI.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  201 

Upon  the  prey,  and  bear  it  to  the  ships ; 

Let  all  jour  aim  be  now  to  kill ;  anon  85 

Ye  may  at  leisure  spoil  jour  slaughters!  foes." 

With  words  like  these  he  fir'd  the  blood  of  all. 
]S  ow  had  the  Trojans  by  the  warlike  Greeks 
In  coward  flight  within  their  walls  been  driv'n  ; 
But  to  iEneas  and  to  Hector  thus  90 

The  son  of  Priam,  Helenus,  the  best 
Of  all  the  Trojan  seers,  address'd  his  speech  : 
"JEneas,  and  thou  Hector,  since  on  jou, 
Of  all  the  Trojans  and  the  Ljcian  hosts, 
Is  laid  the  heaviest  burthen,  for  that  je  95 

Excel  alike  in  council  and  in  fight, 
Stand  here  awhile,  and  moving  to  and  fro 
On  ev'rj  side,  around  the  gates  exhort 
The  troops  to  rallj,  lest  thej  fall  disgrac'd, 
Fljing  for  safetj  to  their  women's  arms,  100 

And  foes,  exulting,  triumph  in  their  shame. 
Their  courage  thus  restor'd,  worn  as  we  are, 
We  with  the  Greeks  will  still  maintain  the  tight, 
For  so,  perforce,  we  must ;  but,  Hector,  thou 
Haste  to  the  citj  ;  there  our  mother  find,  105 


202  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  Vt 

JBotli  thine  and  mine  ;  on  Ilium  s  topmost  height 

By  all  the  aged  dames  accompanied, 

Bid  her  the  shrine  of  blue-ey'd  Pallas  seek ; 

Unlock  the  sacred  gates  ;  and  on  the  knees 

Of  fair-hair'd  Pallas  place  the  fairest  robe  110 

In  all  the  house,  the  amplest,  best  esteem'd ; 

And  at  her  altar  vow  to  sacrifice 

Twelve  yearling  kine  that  never  felt  the  goad, 

So  she  have  pity  on  the  Trojan  state, 

Our  wives,  and  helpless  babes,  and  turn  away       115 

The  fiery  son  of  Tydeus,  spearman  fierce, 

The  Minister  of  Terror ;  bravest  he, 

In  my  esteem,  of  all  the  Grecian  chiefs : 

For  not  Achilles'  self,  the  prince  of  men, 

Though  Goddess-born,  such  dread  inspir'd ;  so  fierce  120 

His  rage  ;  and  with  his  prowess  none  may  vie." 

He  said,  nor  uncomplying,  Hector  heard 
His  brother's  counsel ;  from  his  car  he  leap'd 
In  arms  upon  the  plain ;  and  brandish'd  high 
His  jav'lins  keen,  and  moving  to  and  fro  125 

The  troops  encourag'd,  and  restor'd  the  fight. 
Rallying  they  turn'd,  and  fac'd  again  the  Greeks  : 


L 


Book  VI.        HOMER'S      ILIAD.  203 

These  ceas'd  from  slaughter,  and  in  turn  gave  way, 
Deeming  that  from  the  starry  Ileav'n  some  God 
Had  to  the  rescue  come  ;  so  fierce  they  turn'd.       130 
Then  to  the  Trojans  Hector  call'd  aloud  : 

"  Te  valiant  Trojans,  and  renown' d  Allies, 
Quit  you  like  men  ;  remember  now,  brave  friends, 
Your  wonted  valour  ;  I  to  Ilium  go 
To  bid  our  wives  and  rev'rend  Elders  raise  135 

To  Heav'n  their  pray'rs,  with  vows  of  hecatombs." 

Thus  saying,  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm 
Turn'd  to  depart ;  and  as  he  mov'd  along, 
The  black  bull's-hide  his  neck  and  ancles  smote, 
The  outer  circle  of  his  bossy  shield.  140 

Then  Tydeus'  son,  and  Glaucus,  in  the  midst, 
Son  of  Hippolochus,  stood  forth  to  fight ; 
But  when  they  near  were  met,  to  Glaucus  first 
The  valiant  Diomed  his  speech  address'd  : 
"  "Who  art  thou,  boldest  man  of  mortal  birth  2         115 
For  in  the  glorious  conflict  heretofore 

ne'er  have  seen  thee  ;  but  in  daring  now 
Thou  far  surpassest  all,  who  hast  not  fear'd 
To  face  my  spear  ;  of  most  unhappy  sires 


204  HOMER'S      ILIAD.        Book  VI 

Tlie  children  they,  "who  my  encounter  meet.  150 

But  if  from  Iieav'n  thou  com'st,  and  art  indeed 

A  God,  I  fight  not  with  the  heav'nly  powers. 

Not  long  did  Dryas'  son,  Lycurgus  brave, 

Survive,  who  dar'd  th'  Immortals  to  defy  : 

He,  'mid  their  frantic  orgies,  in  the  groves  155 

Of  lovely  Nyssa,  put  to  shameful  rout 

The  youthful  Bacchus'  nurses  ;  they,  in  fear, 

Dropp'd  each  her  thyrsus,  scatter'd  by  the  hand 

Of  fierce  Lycurgus,  with  an  ox-goad  arm'd. 

Bacchus  himself  beneath  the  ocean  wave  160 

In  terror  plung'd,  and,  trembling,  refuge  found 

In  Thetis'  bosom  from  a  mortal's  threats  : 

The  Gods  indignant  saw,  and  Saturn's  son 

Smote  him  with  blindness  ;  nor  surviv'd  he  long, 

Hated  alike  by  all  th'  immortal  Gods.  165 

I  dare  not  then  the  blessed  Gods  oppose  ; 

But  be  thou  mortal,  and  the  fruits  of  earth 

Thy  food,  approach,  and  quickly  meet  thy  doom." 

To  whom  the  noble  Glaucus  thus  replied  : 
"  Great  son  of  Tydeus,  why  my  race  enquire  ?        170 
y  The  race  of  man  is  as  the  race  of  leaves  : 


Book  VI.  HOMER'S      ILIAD.  205 

Of  leaves,  one  generation  by  the  wind 

Is  scattered  on  the  earth  ;  another  soon 

In  spring's  luxuriant  verdure  bursts  to  light. 

So  with  our  race  ;  these  nourish,  those  decay.         175 

But  if  thou  wonldst  in  truth  enquire  and  learn 

The  race  I  spring  from,  not  unknown  of  men ; 

There  is  a  city,  in  the  deep  recess 

Of  pastoral  Argos,  Ephyre  by  name  : 

There  Sisyphus  of  old  his  dwelling  had,  180 

Of  mortal  men  the  craftiest ;  Sisyphus, 

The  son  of  .zEolus ;  to  him  was  born 

Glaucus  ;  and  Glaucus  in  his  turn  begot 

Bellerophon,  on  whom  the  Gods  bestow'd 

The  gifts  of  beauty  and  of  manly  grace.  185 

But  Proetus  sought  his  death  ;  and,  mightier  far, 

From  all  the  coasts  of  Argos  drove  him  forth, 

To  Proetus  subjected  by  Jove's  decree. 

For  him  the  monarch's  wife,  Antsea,  nurs'd 

A  madd'ning  passion,  and  to  guilty  love  19C 

Would  fain  have  tempted  him  ;  but  fail'd  to  move 

The  upright  soul  of  chaste  Bellerophon. 

"With  lying  words  she  then  address'd  the  King  : 


206  HOMEE'S    ILIAD.         Book  VI. 

;  Die,  Prcetus,  thou,  or  slay  Belleroplion, 

"Who  basely  sought  my  honour  to  assail.'  195 

The  King  with  anger  listen'd  to  her  words  ; 

Slay  him  he  would  not ;  that  his  soul  abhorr'd  ; 

But  to  the  father  of  his  wife,  the  King 

Of  Lycia,  sent  him  forth,  with  tokens  charg'd 

Of  dire  import,  on  folded  tablets  trac'd,  200 

Pois'ning  the  monarch's  mind,  to  work  his  death. 

To  Lycia,  guarded  by  the  Gods,  he  went ; 

But  when  he  came  to  Lycia,  and  the  streams 

Of  Xanthus,  there  with  hospitable  rites 

The  King  of  wide-spread  Lycia  welcom'd  him.       205 

JSTine  days  he  feasted  him,  nine  oxen  slew  ; 

But  with  the  tenth  return  of  rosy  morn 

He  question'd  him,  and  for  the  tokens  ask'd 

He  from  his  son-in-law,  from  Proetus,  bore. 

The  tokens'  fatal  import  understood,  210 

He  bade  him  first  the  dread  Chiinagra  slay ; 

A  monster, sent  from  Heav'n,  not  human  born, 

TVith  head  of  lion,  and  a  serpent's  tail, 

And  body  of  a  goat ;  and  from  her  mouth 

There  issued  flames  of  fiercely-burning  fire  :  215 


Book  VI.         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  207 

Yet  her,  confiding  in  the  Gods,  he  slew. 

Next,  with  the  valiant  Solymi  he  fought, 

The  fiercest  fight  that  e'er  he  undertook. 

Thirdly,  the  women-warriors  he  o'erthrew, 

The  Amazons  ;  from  whom  returning  home,  220 

The  King  another  stratagem  devis'd  ; 

For,  choosing  out  the  best  of  Lycia's  sons, 

He  set  an  ambush ;  they  return'd  not  home, 

For  all  by  brave  Bellerophon  were  slain. 

But,  by -his  valour  when  the  King  perceiv'd  225 

His  heav'nly  birth,  he  entertain'd  him  well  ; 

Gave  him  his  daughter  ;  and  with  her  the  half 

Of  all  his  royal  honours  he  bestow'd  : 

A  portion  too  the  Lycians  meted  out, 

Fertile  in  corn  and  wine,  of  all  the  state  230 

The  choicest  land,  to  be  his  heritage. 

Three  children  there  to  brave  Bellerophon 

"Were  born  ;  Isander,  and  Hippolochus, 

Laodamia  last,  belov'd  of  Jove, 

The  Lord  of  counsel ;  and  to  him  she  bore  235 

Godlike  Sarpedon  of  the  brazen  helm. 

Bellerophon  at  length  the  wrath  incurr'd 


208  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.        Book  VI. 

Of  all  the  Gods  ;  and  to  tli'  Aleian  plain 

Alone  lie  wander'd  ;  there  he  wore  away 

His  soul,  and  shunn'd  the  busy  haunts  of  men.       240 

Insatiate  Mars  his  son  Isander  slew 

In  battle  with  the  valiant  Solymi : 

His  daughter  perish'd  by  Diana's  wrath. 

I  from  Hippolochus  my  birth  derive  : 

To  Troy  he  sent  me,  and  enjoin'd  me  oft  245 

To  aim  at  highest  honours,  and  surpass 

My  comrades  all ;  nor  on  my  father's  name 

Discredit  bring,  who  held  the  foremost  place 

In  Ephyre,  and  Lycia's  wide  domain. 

Such  is  my  race,  and  such  the  blood  I  boast."         250 

He  said  ;  and  Diomed  rejoicing  heard  : 
His  spear  he  planted  in  the  fruitful  ground, 
And  thus  with  friendly  words  the  chief  address'd  : 

"  By  ancient  ties  of  friendship  are  we  bound  ; 
For  godlike  (Eneus  in  his  house  receiv'd  255 

For  twenty  days  the  brave  Bellerophon  ; 
They  many  a  gift  of  friendship  interchang'd  ; 
A  belt,  with  crimson  glowing,  (Eneus  gave  ; 
Bellerophon  a  double  cup  of  gold, 


Book  VI.         HOMER'S    ILIAD.  209 

Which  in  my  house  I  left  when  here  I  came.  260 

OF  Tydeus  no  remembrance  I  retain  : 

For  yet  a  child  he  left  me,  when  he  fell 

"With  his  Achaians  at  the  gate  of  Thebes. 

So  I  in  Argos  am  thy  friendly  host ; ' 

Thon  mine  in  Lycia,  when  I  thither  come  :  265 

Then  shim  we,  e'en  amid  the  thickest  fight, 

Each  other's  lance  ;  enough  there  are  for  me 

Of  Trojans  and  their  brave  allies  to  kill, 

As  Heav'n  may  aid  me,  and  my  speed  of  foot ; 

And  Greeks  enough  there  are  for  thee  to  slay,       270 

If  so  indeed  thou  canst ;  but  let  us  now         / 

Our  armour  interchange,  that  these  may  know 

What  friendly  bonds  of  old  our  houses  join." 

Thus  as  they  spoke,  they  quitted  each  his  car ; 

Clasp'd  hand  in  hand,  and  plighted  mutual  faith.  275 

Then  Glaucus  of  his  judgment  Jove  depriv'd, 

His  armour  interchanging,  gold  for  brass, 

A  hundred  oxen's  worth  for  that  of  nine. 

Meanwhile,  when  Hector  reach'd  the  oak  beside 
The  Sccean  gate,  around  him  throng'd  the  wives   2S0 
Of  Troy,  and  daughters,  anxious  to  enquire 

VOL.    I.  p 


210  HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  Book  Vl 

Tlie  fate  of  children,  brothers,  husbands,  friends  ; 

He  to  the  Gods  exhorted  all  to  pray, 

For  deep  the  sorrows  that  o'er  many  hung. 

But  when  to  Priam's  splendid  house  he  came,        2  "5 

With  polish'd  corridors  adorn'd — within 

"Were  fifty  chambers,  all  of  polish'd  stone, 

Plac'd  each  by  other  ;  there  the  fifty  sons 

Of  Priam  with  their  wedded  wires  repos'd  ; 

On  th'  other  side,  within  the  court  were  built        290 

Twelve  chambers,  near  the  roof,  of  polish'd  stone. 

Plac'd  each  by  other  ;  there  the  sons-in-law 

Of  Priam  with  their  spouses  chaste  repos'd  ; 

To  meet  him  there  his  tender  mother  came, 

And  with  her  led  the  young  Laodice,  295 

Fairest  of  all  her  daughters  ;  clasping  then 

His  hands,  she  thus  address'd  him  :  "  Why,  my  son. 

Why  com'st  thou  here,  and  leav'st  the  battle-field  ? 

Are  Troians  bv  those  hateful  sons  of  Greece, 

Fighting  around  the  city,  sorely  press'd  ?  300 

And  com'st  thou,  by  thy  spirit  mov'd,  to  raise, 

On  Ilium's  heights,  thy  hands  in  pray'r  to  Jove  ? 

But  tarry  till  I  bring  the  luscious  wine, 


Book  VI.         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  211 

That  first  to  Jove,  and  to  th'  Immortals  all, 
Thou  mayst  thine  off 'ring  pour ;  then  with  the  draught 
Thyself  thou  mayst  refresh  ;  for  great  the  strength  306 
Which  gen'rous  wine  imparts  to  men  who  toil, 
As  thou  hast  toil'd,  thy  comrades  to  protect." 

To  whom  great  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm : 
"No,  not  for  me,  mine  honour'd  mother,  pour       310 
The  luscious  wine,  lest  thou  unnerve  my  limbs, 
And  make  me  all  my  wonted  prowess  lose. 
The  ruddy  wine  I  dare  not  pom*  to  Jove 
"With  hands  unwash'd  ;  nor  to  the  cloud-girt  son 
Of  Saturn  may  the  voice  of  pray'r  ascend  315 

From  one  with  blood  bespatter'd  and  defil'd. 
Thou,  with  the  elder  women,  seek  the  shrine 
Of  Pallas  ;  bring  your  gifts  ;  and  on  the  knees 
Of  fair-kair'd  Pallas  place  the  fairest  robe 
In  all  the  house,  the  amplest,  best  esteem'd  ;  320 

And  at  her  altar  vow  to  sacrifice 
Twelve  yearling  kine,  that  never  felt  the  goad  ; 
So  she  have  pity  on  the  Trojan  state, 
Our  wives,  and  helpless  babes ;  and  turn  away 
The  fiery  son  of  Tydeus,  spearman  fierce,  325 


212  HOMER'S     ILIAD.        Book  7  L 

The  Minister  of  Terror  ;  to  the  shrine 
Of  Pallas  thou  ;  to  Paris  I,  to  call 
If  haply  he  will  hear  ;  would  that  the  earth 
"Would  gape  and  swallow  him  !  for  great  the  curse 
That  Jove  thro'  him  hath  brought  on  men  of  Troy,  33C 
On  noble  Priam,  and  on  Priam's  sons. 
Could  I  but  know  that  he  were  in  his  grave, 
Methinks  mv  sorrows  I  could  half  forget." 

He  said  :  she,  to  the  house  returning,  sent 
Th'  attendants  through  the  city,  to  collect  335 

The  train  of  aged  suppliants  ;  she  meanwhile 
Her  fragrant  chamber  sought,  wherein  were  stor'd 
Rich  garments  by  Sidonian  women  work'd, 
Whom  godlike  Paris  had  from  Sidon  brought, 
Sailing  the  broad  sea  o'er,  the  selfsame  path  340 

By  which  the  high-born  Helen  he  convey'd. 
Of  these,  the  richest  in  embroidery,  . 
The  amplest,  and  the  brightest,  as  a  star 
Refulgent,  plac'd  with  care  beneath  the  rest, 
The  Queen  her  off'ring  bore  to  Pallas'  shrine  :       345 
She  went,  and  with  her  many  an  ancient  dame. 
But  when  the  shrine  they  reach'd  on  Ilium's  height, 


Book  VI.        HOMER'S     ILIAD.  213 

Theano,  fair  of  face,  the  gates  unlock'd, 

Daughter  of  Cisseus,  sage  Antenor's  wife, 

By  Trojans  uam'd  at  Pallas'  shrine  to  serve.  350 

They  with  deep  moans  to  Pallas  rais'd  their  hands  ; 

But  fair  Theano  took  the  robe,  and  plac'd 

On  Pallas'  knees,  and  to  the  heav'nly  Maid, 

Daughter  of  Jove,  she  thus  address'd  her  pray'r  : 

"  Guardian  of  cities,  Pallas,  awful  Queen,  355 

Goddess  of  Goddesses,  break  thou  the  spear 

Of  Tydeus'  son  ;  and  grant  that  he  himself 

Prostrate  before  the  Scsean  gates  may  fall ; 

So  at  thine  altar  will  we  sacrifice 

Twelve  yearling  kine,  that  never  felt  the  goad,      360 

If  thou  have  pity  on  the  state  of  Troy, 

The  wives  of  Trojans,  and  their  helpless  babes." 

Thus  she  ;  but  Pallas  answer'd  not  her  pray'r. 
While  thus  they  call'd  upon  the  heav'nly  Maid, 
Hector  to  Paris'  mansion  bent  his  way  ;  365 

A  noble  structure,  which  himself  had  built 
Aided  by  all  the  best  artificers 
Who  in  the  fertile  realm  of  Troy  were  known  ; 
With  chambers,  hall,  and  court,  on  Ilium's  height, 


214  HOMEE'S    ILIAD.         Book  Vt 

Near  to  where  Priam's  self  and  Hector  dwelt.       370 

There  enter'd  Hector,  well  belov'd  of  Jove  ; 

And  in  his  hand  his  pond'rons  spear  he  bore, 

Twelve  cubits  long  ;  bright  flash'd  the  weapon's  point 

Of  polish' d  brass,  with  circling  hoop  of  gold. 

There  in  his  chamber  found  he  whom  he  sought,    375 

About  his  armour  busied,  polishing 

His  shield,  his  breastplate,  and  his  bended  bow. 

"While  Argive  Helen,  'mid  her  maidens  plac'd, 

The  skilful  labours  of  their  hands  o'erlook'd. 

To  liim  thus  Hector  with  reproachful  words  ;         380 

"  Thou  dost  not  well  thine  anger  to  indulge  ; 

In  battle  round  the  city's  lofty  wall 

The  people  fast  are  falling  ;  thou  the  cause 

That  fiercely  thus  around  the  city  burns 

The  flame  of  war  and  battle  ;  and  thyself  385 

Wouldst  others  blame,  who  from  the  fight  should  shrink. 

Up,  ere  the  town  be  wrapp'd  in  hostile  fires." 

To  whom  in  answer  godlike  Paris  thus  : 
"  Hector,  I  own  not  causeless  thy  rebuke  ; 
Yet  will  I  speak  ;  hear  thou  and  understand  ;        390 
'Twas  less  from  anger  with  the  Trojan  host, 


BookVL         HOMER'S    ILIAD.  215 

And  fierce  resentment,  that  I  here  remain'd, 

Than  that  I  sought  my  sorrow  to  indulge ; 

Yet  hath  nay  wife,  e'en  now,  with  soothing  words 

Urg'd  me  to  join  the  battle  ;  so,  I  own,  395 

Twere  best ;  and  Yict'iy  changes  oft  her  side. 

Then  stay,  while  I  my  armour  don ;  or  thou 

Go  first :  I,  following,  will  o'ertake  thee  soon." 

He  said :  but  Hector  of  the  fflancins;  helm 
Made  answer  none  ;  then  thus  with  gentle  tones  400 
Helen  accosted  him  :  "  Dear  brother  mine, 
(Of  me,  degraded,  sorrow-bringing,  vile  !) 
Oh  that  the  day  my  mother  gave  me  birth 
Some  storm  had  on  the  mountains  cast  me  forth  ! 
Or  that  the  many-dashing  ocean's  waves  405 

Had  swept  me  off,  ere  all  this  woe  were  wrought ! 
Yet  if  these  evils  were  of  Heav'n  ordain'd, 
Would  that  a  better  man  had  call'd  me  wife  ; 
A  sounder  judge  of  honour  and  disgrace  : 
For  he,  thou  know'st,  no  firmness  hath  of  mind,     410 
N<  >r  ever  will ;  a  want  he  well  may  rue. 
But  come  thou  in,  and  rest  thee  here  awhile, 
Dear  brother,  on  this  couch ;  for  travail  sore 


216  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  VL 

Encompasseth  thy  soul,  by  me  impos'd, 
Degraded  as  I  am,  and  Paris'  guilt ;  415 

On  whom  this  burthen  Heav'n  hath  laid,  that  shame 
On  both  our  names  through  years  to  come  shall  rest," 

To  whom  great  Hector  of  the  p'lancino;  helm  : 
"  Though  kind  thy  wish,  yet,  Helen,  ask  me  not 
To  sit  or  rest;  I  cannot  yield  to  thee  :  420 

For  to  the  succour  of  our  friends  I  haste, 
Who  feel  my  loss,  and  sorely  need  my  aid. 
But  thou  thy  husband  rouse,  and  let  him  speed,  ' 
That  he  may  find  me  still  within  the  walls. 
For  I  too  homeward  go ;  to  see  once  more  425 

My  household,  and  my  wife,  and  infant  child  : 
For  whether  I  may  e'er  again  return, 
I  know  not,  or  if  Ileav'n  have  so  decreed, 
That  I  this  day  by  Grecian  hands  should  fall." 

Thus  saying,  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  430 

Turn'd  to  depart ;  with  rapid  step  he  reach'd 
His  own  well-furnished  house,  but  found  not  there 
His  white-arm'd  spouse,  the  fair  Andromache. 
She  with  her  infant  child  and  maid  the  while 
Was  standing,  bath'd  in  tears,  in  bitter  grief,        435 


Hook  VI.  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  217 

On  Ilium's  topmost  tower  :  but  when  her  Lord 
Found  not  within  the  house  his  peerless  wife, 
Upon  the  threshold  pausing,  thus  he  spoke  : 
;'  Tell  me,  my  maidens,  tell  me  true,  which  way 
Your  mistress  went,  the  fair  Andromache  ;  440 

t)r  to  my  sisters,  or  my  brothers'  wives? 
Dr  to  the  temple  where  the  fair-hair'd  dames 
Df  Troy  invoke  Minerva's  awful  name  ? ': 

To  whom  the  matron  of  his  house  replied  : 
1  Hector,  if  truly  we  must  answer  thee,  445 

iSTot  to  thy  sisters,  nor  thy  brothers'  wives, 
Nor  to  the  temple  where  the  fair-hair'd  dames 
bf  Troy  invoke  Minerva's  awful  name, 
But  to  the  height  of  Ilium's  topmost  tow'r 
Andromache  is  gone  ;  since  tidings  came  450 

The  Trojan  force  was  overmatch'd,  and  great 
The  Grecian  strength  ;  whereat,  like  one  distract, 
She  hurried  to  the  walls,  and  with  her  took, 
Borne  in  the  nurse's  arms,  her  infant  child."  454 

So  spoke  the  ancient  dame  ;  and  Hector  straight 
Through  the  wide  streets  his  rapid  steps  retrae'd. 
But  when  at  last  the  mighty  city's  length 


21S  HOMER'S      ILIAD.         Book  VI 

"Was  travers'd,  and  the  Seasan  gates  were  reach'd, 

Whence  was  the  outlet  to  tlie  plain,  in  haste 

Running  to  meet  him  came  his  priceless  wife,        460 

Eetion's  daughter,  fair  Andromache  ; 

Eel  ion,  who  from  Thebes  Cilicia  sway'd, 

Thebes,  at  the  foot  of  Placos'  wooded  heights. 

His  child  to  Hector  of  the  brazen  helm 

Was  giv'n  in  marriage  :  she  it  was  who  now  465 

Met  him,  and  by  her  side  the  nurse,  who  bore, 

Clasp'd  to  her  breast,  his  all  unconscious  child, 

Hector's  lov'd  infant,  fair  as  morning  star  ; 

"Whom  Hector  call'd  Seaman drius,  but  the  rest 

Astyanax,  in  honour  of  his  sire,  470 

The  matchless  chief,  the  only  prop  of  Troy. 

Silent  he  smil'd  as  on  his  boy  he  gaz'd  : 

But  at  his  side  Andromache,  in  tears, 

Hung  on  his  arm,  and  thus  the  chief  address'd  : 

"  Dear  Lord,  thy  dauntless  spirit  will  work  thy  doom : 
Nor  hast  thou  pity  on  this  thy  helpless  child,         476 
Or  me  forlorn,  to  be  thy  widow  soon  : 
For  thee  will  all  the  Greeks  with  force  combin'd 
Assail  and  slay :  for  me,  'twere  better  far, 


BookVL        HOMER'S     ILIAD.  219 

Of  thee  bereft,  to  lie  beneath  the  sod  ;  480 

Nor  comfort  shall  be  mine,  if  thou  be  lost, 

But  endless  grief;  to  me  nor  sire  is  left, 

Nor  honour'd  mother ;  fell  Achilles'  hand 

My  sire  Eetion  slew,  what  time  his  arms 

The  populous  city  of  Cilicia  raz'd,  485 

The  lofty-gated  Thebes ;  he  slew  indeed, 

But  stripp'd  him  not  ;  he  reverenc'd  the  dead ; 

And  o'er  his  body,  with  his  armour  burnt, 

A  mound  erected  ;  and  the  mountain  nymphs, 

The  progeny  of  regis-bearing  Jove,  490 

Planted  around  his  tomb  a  grove  of  elms. 

There  were  sev'n  brethren  in  my  father's  house  ; 

All  in  one  day  they  fell,  amid  their  herds 

And  fleecy  flocks,  by  fierce  Achilles'  hand. 

My  mother,  Queen  of  Placos'  wooded  height,         495 

Brought  with  the  captives  here,  he  soon  releas'd 

For  costly  ransom  ;  but  by  Dian's  shafts 

She,  in  her  father's  house,  was  stricken  down. 

But,  Hector,  thou  to  me  art  all  in  one, 

Sire,  mother,  brethren  !  thou,  my  wedded  love  !     500 

Then  pitying  us,  within  the  tow'r  remain, 


220  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.        Book  YI 

Nor  make  thy  cliild  an  orphan,  and  thy  wife 

A  hapless  widow  ;  by  the  fig-tree  here 

Array  thy  troops  ;  for  here  the  city  wall, 

Easiest  of  access,  most  invites  assault.  505 

Thrice  have  their  boldest  chiefs  this  point  assail'd, 

The  two  Ajaces,  brave  Idomeneus, 

Th'  Atridse  both,  and  Tydens'  warlike  son, 

Or  by  the  prompting  of  some  Heav'n-taught  seer, 

Or  by  their  own  advent'rous  courage  led."  510 

To  whom  great  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  ; 
"  Think  not,  dear  wife,  that  by  such  thoughts  as  these 
My  heart  has  ne'er  been  wrung  ;  but  I  should  blush 
To  face  the  men  and  long-rob'd  dames  of  Troy, 
If,  like  a  coward,  I  could  shun  the  fight.  515 

Nor  could  my  soul  the  lessons  of  my  youth 
So  far  forget,  whose  boast  it  still  has  been 
In  the  fore-front  of  battle  to  be  found, 
Charg'd  with  my  father's  glory  and  mine  own. 
Yet  in  my  inmost  soul  too  well  I  know,  520 

The  day  must  come  when  this  our  sacred  Troy, 
And  Priam's  race,  and  Priam's  royal  self 
Shall  in  one  common  ruin  be  o'erthrown. 


Book  VI  HOMEfi'S     ILIAD.  221 

But  not  the  thoughts  of  Troy's  impending  fate, 

Nor  Hecuba's  nor  royal  Priam's  woes,  525 

Nor  loss  of  brethren,  numerous  and  brave, 

By  hostile  hands  laid  prostrate  in  the  dust, 

So  deeply  wring  my  heart  as  thoughts  of  thee, 

Thy  days  of  freedom  lost,  and  led  away 

A  weeping  captive  by  some  brass-clad  Greek ;    530 

Haply  in  Argos,  at  a  mistress'  beck, 

Condemn'd  to  ply  the  loom,  or  water  draw 

From  Hypereia's  or  Messeis'  fount, 

Heart-wrung,  by  stern  necessity  constrain'd.        534 

Then  they  who  see  thy  tears  perchance  may  say, 

4  Lo  !  this  was  Hector's  wife,  who,  when  they  fought 

On  plains  of  Troy,  was  Ilium's  bravest  chief.' 

Thus  may  they  speak  ;  and  thus  thy  grief  renew 

For  loss  of  him,  who  might  have  been  thy  shield 

To  rescue  thee  from  slav'ry's  bitter  hour.  540 

Oh  may  I  sleep  in  dust,  ere  be  condemn'd 

To  hear  thy  cries,  and  see  thee  dragg'd  away !  " 

Thus  as  he  spoke,  great  Hector  stretch'd  his  arms 
To  take  his  child ;  but  back  the  infant  shrank, 
Crying,  and  sought  his  nurse's  shelt'ring  breast,  545 


222  HOMER'S     ILIAD.         Book  VI, 

Scar'd  by  the  brazen  helm  and  horse-hair  plume, 
That  nodded,  fearful,  on  the  warrior's  crest. 
Laugh'd  the  fond  parents  both,  and  from  his  brow 
Hector  the  casque  remov'd,  and  set  it  down,      549 
All  elitt'ring,  on  the  ground :  then  kiss'd  his  child, 


*OJ 


And  danc'd  him  in  his  arms ;  then  thus  to  Jove 
And  to  th'  Immortals  all  address'd  his  pray'r : 
"  Grant,  Jove,  and  all  ye  Gods,  that  this  my  son 
May  be,  as  I,  the  foremost  man  of  Troy, 
For  valour  fam'd,  his  country's  guardian  King ;  555 
That  men  may  say,  '  This  youth  surpasses  far 
His  father,'  when  they  see  him  from  the  fight, 
From  slaughter'd  foes,  with  bloody  spoils  of  war 
Returning,  to  rejoice  his  mother's  heart!" 

Thus  saying,  in  his  mother's  arms  he  plac'd    560 
His  child ;  she  to  her  fragrant  bosom  clasp'd, 
Smiling  through  tears  ;  with  eyes  of  pitying  love 
Hector  beheld,  and  press'd  her  hand,  and  thus 
Address'd  her — "  Dearest,  wring  not  thus  my  heart ! 
For  till  my  day  of  destiny  is  come,  5 Go 

No  man  may  take  my  life ;  and  when  it  comes, 
Nor  brave  nor  coward  can  escape  that  day. 


book  VI.         HOMER'S    ILIAD.  223 

But  go  thou  home,  and  ply  thy  household  cares, 
The  loom  and  distaff,  and  appoint  thy  maids 
Their  sev'ral  tasks  ;  and  leave  to  men  of  Troy        570 
And,  chief  of  all  to  me,  the  toils  of -war." 

Great  Hector  said,  and  rais'd  his  plumed  helm ; 
And  homeward,  slow,  with  oft-reverted  eyes, 
Shedding  hot  tears,  his  sorrowing  wife  return'd. 
Arriv'd  at  valiant  Hector's  well-built  house,  575 

Her  maidens  press'd  around  her ;  and  in  all 
Arose  at  once  the  sympathetic  grief. 
For  Hector,  yet  alive,  his  household  mourn'd, 
Deeming  he  never  would  again  return, 
Safe  from  the  fight,  by  Grecian  hands  unharm'd.  580 

Nor  linger'd  Paris  in  his  lofty  halls  ; 
But  donn'd  his  armour,  glitt'ring  o'er  with  brass, 
And  through  the  city  pass'd  with  bounding  steps. 
As  some  proud  steed,  at  well-fill'd  manger  fed, 
His  halter  broken,  neighing,  scours  the  plain,         585 
And  revels  in  the  widely-flowing  stream 
To  bathe  his  sides  ;  then  tossing  high  his  head, 
While  o'er  his  shoulders  streams  his  ample  mane, 
Light  borne  on  active  limbs,  in  conscious  pride, 


224  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  VL 

To  the  wide  pastures  of  the  mares  he  flies ;  590 

So  Paris,  Priam's  son,  from  Ilium's  height, 

His  bright  arms  flashing  like  the  gorgeous  sun, 

Hasten'd,  with  boastful  mien,  and  rapid  step. 

Hector  he  found,  as  from  the  spot  he  tum'd 

Where  with  his  wife  he  late  had  converse  held  ;     505 

Whom  thus  the  godlike  Paris  first  address'd  : 

"  Too  long,  good  brother,  art  thou  here  detain'd, 

Impatient  for  the  fight,  by  my  delay ; 

Nor  have  I  timely,  as  thou  bad'st  me,  come." 

To  whom  thus  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  :  600 

"  My  gallant  brother,  none  who  thinks  aright 

Can  cavil  at  thy  prowess  in  the  field  ; 

For  thou  art  very  valiant;  but  thy  will 

Is  weak  and  sluggish ;  and  it  grieves  my  heart, 

When  from  the  Trojans,  who  in  thy  behalf        605 

Such  labours  undergo,  I  hear  thy  name 

Coupled  with  foul  reproach !     But  go  we  now  ! 

Henceforth  shall  all  be  well,  if  Jove  permit 

That  from  our  shores  we  drive  th'  invading  Greeks, 

And  to  the  ever-living  Gods  of  Heav'n  610 

In  peaceful  homes  our  free  libations  pour."  611 


ARGUMENT. 

THE  SEKGLE  COAIBAT  OF  HECTOR  AND  AJAX. 

The  battle  renewing  with  double  ardour  upon  the  return  of  Hector, 
Minerva  is  under  apprehensions  for  the  Greeks.  Apollo,  seeing 
her  descend  from  Olympus,  joins  her  near  the  Scsean  gate.  They 
agree  to  put  off  the  general  engagement  for  that  day,  and  incite 
Hector  to  challenge  the  Greeks  to  a  single  combat.  Nine  of  the 
princes  accepting  the  challenge,  the  lot  is  cast,  and  falls  upon 
Ajax.  These  heroes,  after  several  attacks,  are  parted  by  the  night. 
The  Trojans  calling  a  council,  Antenor  proposes  the  delivery  of 
Helen  to  the  Greeks,  to  which  Paris  will  not  consent,  but  offers 
to  restore  them  her  riches.  Priam  sends  a  herald  to  make  this 
offer,  and  to  demand  a  truce  for  burning  the  dead,  the  last  of 
which  only  is  agreed  to  by  Agamemnon.  When  the  funerals  are 
performed,  the  Greeks,  pursuant  to  the  advice  of  Nestor,  erect  a 
fortification  to  protect  their  fleet  and  camp,  flanked  with  towers, 
and  defended  by  a  ditch  and  palisades.  Neptune  testifies  his 
jealousy  at  this  work,  but  is  pacified  by  a  promise  from  Jupiter. 
Both  armies  pass  the  night  in  feasting,  but  Jupiter  disheartens 
the  Trojans  with  thunder  and  other  signs  of  his  wrath. 

The  three-and-twenticth  day  ends  with  the  duel  of  Hector  and  Ajax  ; 
the  next  day  the  truce  is  agreed :  another  is  taken  up  in  the  fu- 
neral rites  of  the  slain;  and  one  more  in  building  tne  fortifica- 
tion before  the  ships;  so  that  somewhat  above  three  days  is 
employed  in  this  book.    The  scene  lies  wholly  in  the  field. 


Book  VII.  HOMEE'S    ILIAD.  227 


BOOK     VII. 

nnHUS  as  he  spoke,  from  out  the  city  gates 

The  noble  Hector  pass'd,  and  by  his  side 
His  brother  Paris  ;  in  the  breast  of  both 
Burnt  the  fierce  ardour  of  the  battle-field. 
As  when  some  God  a  fav'ring  breeze  bestows  5 

On  seamen  tugging  at  the  well-worn  oar, 
Faint  with  excess  of  toil,  ev'n  so  appear'd 
Those  brethren  twain  to  Troy's  o'erlabour'd  host. 

Then  to  their  prowess  fell,  by  Paris'  hand 
Menesthius,  royal  Areithous'  son,  10 

"Whom  to  the  King,  in  Arna,  where  he  dwelt, 
The  stag-ey'd  dame  Phylomedusa  bore ; 
While  Hector  smote,  with  well-directed  spear, 
Beneath  the  brass-bound  headpiece,  through  the  throat, 
Eioneus,  and  slack'd  his  limbs  in  death  ;  15 

And  Glaucus,  leader  of  the  Lycian  bands, 


228  HOIEE'S      ILIAD.        Book  VII. 

Son  of  Hippolochus,  amid  the  fray 

Iphinous,  son  of  Dexias,  borne  on  high 

By  two  fleet  mares  upon  a  lofty  car, 

Pierc'd  through  the  shoulder ;  from  the  car  he  fell  20 

Prone  to  the  earth,  his  limbs  relax'd  in  death. 

But  them  when  Pallas  saw,  amid  the  fray 

Dealing  destruction  on  the  hosts  of  Greece, 

From  high  Olympus  to  the  walls  of  Troy 

She  came  in  haste  ;  Apollo  there  she  found,  25 

As  down  he  look'd  from  Ilium's  topmost  tow'r, 

Devising  vict'ry  to  the  arms  of  Troy. 

Beside  the  oak  they  met ;  Apollo  first, 

The  son  of  Jove,  the  colloquy  began  : 

"  Daughter  of  Jove,  from  great  Olympus'  heights,  30 

Why  com'st  thou  here,  by  angry  passion  led  ? 

Wouldst  thou  the  vict'ry,  swaying  here  and  there, 

Give  to  the  Greeks  ?  since  pitiless  thou  see'st 

The  Trojans  slaughter'd  ?     Be  advis'd  by  me, 

For  so  'twere  better  ;  cause  we  for  to-day  35 

The  rage  of  battle  and  of  war  to  cease  ; 

To-morrow  morn  shall  see  the  fight  renew'd, 

Until  the  close  of  Ilium's  destiny  ; 


Hook  VII.       HOMER'S     ILIAD.  229 

For  so  ye  Goddesses  have  wrought  your  will, 

That  this  fair  city  should  in  ruin  fall."  40 

To  whom  the  blue-ey'd  Goddess  thus  replied : 
"  So  be  it,  Archer-lung ;  with  like  intent 
I  from  Olympus  came ;  but  say,  what  means 
Wilt  thou  devise  to  bid  the  conflict  cease  ?" 

To  whom  Apollo,  royal  son  of  Jove :  45 

*'  The  might  of  valiant  Hector  let  us  move 
To  challenge  to  the  combat,  man  to  man, 
Some  Grecian  warrior  ;  while  the  brass-clad  Greeks 
Their  champion  urge  the  challenge  to  accept, 
And  godlike  Hector  meet  in  single  fight."  50 

He  said  ;  nor  did  Minerva  not  assent ; 
But  Helenus,  the  son  of  Priam,  knew 
The  secret  counsel  by  the  Gods  devis'd  ; 
And  drawing  near  to  Hector,  thus  he  spoke  : 
"  Hector,  thou  son  of  Priam,  sage  as  Jove  55 

In  council,  hearken  to  a  brother's  words. 
Bid  that  the  Greeks  and  Trojans  all  sit  down, 
And  thou  defy  the  boldest  of  the  Greeks 
With  thee  in  single  combat  to  contend  ; 
By  revelation  from  th'  eternal  Gods,  00 


230  HOMEK'S     ILIAD.       Book  VII 

I  know  that  here  thou  shalt  not  meet  thy  fate." 
He  said,  and  Hector  joy'd  to  hear  his  words  ; 
Forth  in  the  midst  he  stepp'cl,  and  with  his  spear 
Grasp'd  in  the  middle,  stay'd  the  Trojan  ranks. 
With  one  accord  they  sat  ;  on  th'  other  side  65 

Atrides  bade  the  well-greav'd  Greeks  sit  down ; 
"While,  in  the  likeness  of  two  vultures,  sat 
On  the  tall  oak  of  aegis-bearing  Jove, 
Pallas,  and  Phoebus  of  the  silver  bow, 
"With  heroes'  deeds  delighted  ;  dense  around         70 
Bristled  the  ranks,  with  shield,   and  helm,  and  spear. 
As  when  the  west  wind  freshly  blows,  and  brings 
A  dark'ning  ripple  o'er  the  ocean  waves, 
E'en  so  appear'd  upon  the  plain  the  ranks 
Of  Greeks  and  Trojans ;  standing  in  the  midst,    75 
Thus  to  both  armies  noble  Hector  spoke  : 
"  Hear,  all  ye  Trojans,  and  ye  well-greav'd  Greeks, 
The  words  I  speak,  the  promptings  of  my  soul. 
It  hath  not  pleas'd  high-thron'd  Saturnian  Jove 
To  ratify  our  truce,  who  both  afflicts  80 

"With  labours  hard,  till  either  ye  shall  take 
Our  well-fenc'd  city,  or  yourselves  to  us 


Book  VII.       HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  231 

Succumb  beside  your  ocean-going  ships. 

Here  have  ye  all  the  chiefest  men  of  Greece  ; 

Of  all,  let  him  who  dares  with  me  to  fight,  85 

Stand  forth,  and  godlike  Hector's  might  confront. 

And  this  I  say,  and  call  to  witness  Jove, 

If  with  the  sharp-edg'd  spear  he  vanquish  me, 

He  shall  strip  off,  and  to  the  hollow  ships 

In  triumph  bear  my  armour ;  but  my  corpse  90 

Restore,  that  so  the  men  and  wives  of  Troy 

May  deck  with  honours  due  my  funeral  pyre. 

But,  by  Apollo's  grace  should  I  prevail, 

I  will  his  arms  strip  off  and  bear  to  Troy, 

And  in  Apollo's  temple  hang  on  high ;  95 

But  to  the  ships  his  corpse  I  will  restore, 

That  so  the  long-hair'd  Greeks  with  solemn  rites 

May  bury  him,  and  to  his  mem'ry  raise 

By  the  broad  Hellespont  a  lofty  tomb  ; 

And  men  in  days  to  come  shall  say,  who  urge        100 

Their  full-oar'd  bark  across  the  dark-blue  sea, 

'  Lo  there  a  warrior's  tomb  of  days  gone  by, 

A  mighty  chief,  whom  glorious  Hector  slew  :' 

Thus  shall  they  say,  and  thus  my  fame  shall  live." 


232  HOMER'S    ILIAD.        Book  VII 

Thus  Hector  spoke  ;  they  all  in  silence  heard,    105 
Sham'd  to  refuse,  but  fearful  to  accept. 
At  length  in  anger  Menelaus  rose, 
Groaning  in  spirit,  and  with  bitter  words 
Eeproach'd  them:  "Shame, ye  braggart  cowards,  shame ! 
Women  of  Greece  !  I  cannot  call  you  men  !  110 

'Twere  foul  disgrace  indeed,  and  scorn  on  scorn, 
If  Hector's  challenge  none  of  all  the  Greeks 
Should  dare  accept ;  to  dust  and  water  turn 
All  ye  who  here  inglorious,  heartless  sit  ! 
I  will  myself  confront  him  ;  for  success,  115 

Th'  immortal  Gods  above  the  issues  hold." 

Thus  as  he  spoke,  he  donn'd  his  dazzling  arms. 
Then,  Menelaus,  had  thine  end  approach'd 
By  Hector's  hands,  so  much  the  stronger  he, 
Had  not  the  Kings  withheld  thee  and  restraind.  120 
Great  Agamemnon's  self,  wide-ruling  King, 
Seizing  his  hand,  address'd  him  thus  by  name  : 
"  What !  Heav'n-born  Menelaus,  art  thou  mad  1 
Beseems  thee  not  such  folly  ;  curb  thy  wrath, 
Though  vex'd  ;  nor  think  with  Hector  to  contend,  125 
Thy  better  far,  inspiring  dread  in  all. 


Book  VII.        HOMEE'S      ILIAD.  233 

From  his  encounter  in  the  glorious  fight, 

Superior  far  to  thee,  Achilles  shrinks  ; 

But  thou  amid  thy  comrades'  ranks  retire  ; 

Some  other  champion  will  the  Greeks  provide  ;     130 

And,  fearless  as  he  is,  and  of  the  fight 

Insatiate,  yet  will  Hector,  should  he  'scape 

Unwounded  from  the  deadly  battle-strife, 

Be  fain,  methinks,  to  rest  his  weary  limbs." 

He  said,  and  with  judicious  counsel  sway'd        135 
His  brother's  mind  ;  he  yielded  to  his  words, 
And  gladly  his  attendants  doff  'd  his  arms. 

Then  Nestor  rose,  and  thus  address'd  the  Greeks  : 
"  Alas,  alas  !  what  shame  is  this  for  Greece  ! 
What  grief  would  fill  the  aged  Peleus'  soul,  140 

Sage  chief  in  council,  of  the  Myrmidons 
Leader  approv'd,  who  often  in  his  house 
Would  question  me,  and  lov'd  from  me  to  hear 
Of  all  the  Greeks  the  race  and  pedigree, 
Could  he  but  learn  how  Hector  cow'd  them  all !    145 
He  to  the  Gods  with  hands  uprais'd  would  pray 
His  soul  might  from  his  body  be  divorc'd, 
And  sink  beneath  the  earth  !     Oh  would  to  Jove, 


234  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.       Book  V1L 

To  Pallas  and  Apollo,  such  were  now 

My  vig'rous  youth,  as  when  beside  the  banks         150 

Of  swiftly-flowing  Celadon,  the  men 

Of  Pylos  with  th'  Arcadian  spearmen  fought, 

By  Pheia's  walls,  around  Iardan's  streams. 

Then  from  the  ranks,  in  likeness  as  a  God, 

Advanc'd  their  champion,  Ereuthalion  bold.  155 

The  arms  of  Areithous  he  wore  : 

Of  godlike  Areithous,  whom  men 

And  richly-girdled  women  had  surnam'd 

The  Macebearer  ;  for  not  with  sword  or  bow 

He  went  to  fight,  but  with  an  iron  mace  160 

Broke  through  the  squadrons  :  him  L^curgus  slew, 

By  stealth,  not  brav'ry,  in  a  narrow  way, 

Where  nought  avail'd  his  iron  mace  from  death 

To  save  him  ;  for  Lycurgus,  with  his  spear, 

Preventing,  thrust  him  through  the  midst ;  he  fell  165 

Prostrate  ;  and  from  his  breast  the  victor  stripp'd 

His  armour  off,  the  gift  of  brass-clad  Mars  ; 

And  in  the  tug  of  war  he  wore  it  oft ; 

But  when  Lycurgus  felt  th'  approach  of  age, 

He  to  his  faithful  follower  and  friend,  170 


Book  VII.      HOMER'S     ILIAD.  235 

To  Ereutlialion  gave  it ;  therewith,  arm'd, 

He  now  to  combat  challeng'd  all  the  chiefs. 

None  dar'd  accept,  for  fear  had  fallen  on  all ; 

Then  I  with  dauntless  spirit  his  might  oppos'd, 

The  youngest  of  thern  all ;  with  him  I  fought,        175 

And  Pallas  gave  the  vict'ry  to  my  arm. 

Him  there  I  slew,  the  tallest,  strongest  man  ; 

For  many  another  there  beside  him  lay. 

Would  that  my  youth  and  strength  were  now  the  same  ; 

Then  soon  should  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm       180 

A  willing  champion  find  ;  but  ye,  of  Greece 

The  foremost  men,  with  Hector  fear  to  fight." 

The  old  man  spoke  reproachful ;  at  his  words 
Up  rose  nine  warriors  :  far  before  the  rest, 
The  monarch  Agamemnon,  King  of  men  ;  185 

Next  Tydeus'  son,  the  valiant  Diomed  ; 
The  two  Ajaces,  cloth'd  with  courage  high  ; 
Idorneneus,  and  of  Idomeneus 
The  faithful  follower,  brave  Meriones, 
Equal  in  fight  to  blood-stain'd  Mars ;  with  these     190 
Eurypylus,  Eusemon's  noble  son  ; 
Thoas,  Anclrgemon's  son  ;  Ulysses  last : 


236  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.         Book  VH 

These  all  with  Hector  offer'd  to  contend. 

Then  thus  again  Gerenian  Nestor  spoke : 

"  Shake  then  the  lots ;  on  whomsoe'er  it  fall,  195 

Great  profit  shall  he  bring  to  Grecian  arms, 

Great  glory  to  himself,  if  he  escape 

Un wounded  from  the  deadly  "battle  strife." 

He  said  :  each  mark'd  his  sev'ral  lot,  and  all 

Together  threw  in  Agamemnon's  helm.  200 

The  crowd,  with  hands  uplifted,  pray'd  the  Gods, 

And  looking  heav'nward,  said,  "  Grant,  Father  Jove, 

The  lot  on  Ajax,  or  on  Tydeus'  son, 

Or  on  Mycenae's  wealthy  King  may  fall." 

Thus  they  :  then  aged  Nestor  shook  the  helm,    205 
And  forth,  according  to  their  wish,  was  thrown 
The  lot  of  Ajax  ;  then  from  left  to  right 
A  herald  show'd  to  all  the  chiefs  of  Greece, 
In  turn,  the  token  ;  they  who  knew  it  not, 
Disclaini'd  it  all ;  but  when  to  him  he  came  210 

Who  mark'd,  and  threw  it  in  Atrides'  helm, 
The  noble  Ajax,  and,  approaching,  placed 
The  token  in  his  outstretch'd  hand,  forthwith 
He  knew  it,  and  rejoie'd  ;  before  his  feet 


book  VII.      HOMER'S     ILIAD.  237 

He  threw  it  down  upon  the  ground,  and  said,     215 

"  O  friends,  the  lot  is  mine  ;  great  is  my  joy, 

And  hope  o'er  godlike  Hector  to  prevail. 

But  now,  while  I  my  warlike  armour  don, 

Pray  ye  to  Saturn's  royal  son,  apart, 

In  silence,  that  the  Trojans  hear  ye  not ;  220 

Or  ev'n  aloud,  for  nought  have  we  to  fear. 

No  man  against  my  will  can  make  me  fly, 

By  greater  force  or  skill ;  nor  will,  I  hope, 

My  inexperience  in  the  field  disgrace 

The  teaching  of  my  native  Salamis."  225 

Thus  he  ;  and  they  to  Saturn's  royal  son 
Address'd  their  pray'rs,  and  looking  heav'nward,  said : 
"  0  Father  Jove,  who  rul'st  on  Ida's  height ! 
Most  great !  most  glorious  !  grant  that  Ajax  now 
May  gain  the  vict'ry,and  immortal  praise  :  230 

Or  if  thy  love  and  pity  Hector  claim, 
Give  equal  pow'r  and  equal  praise  to  both." 

Ajax  meanwhile  in  dazzling  brass  was  clad  ; 
And  when  his  armour  all  was  duly  donn'd, 
Forward  he  mov'd,  as  when  gigantic  Mars  235 

Leads  nations  forth  to  war,  whom  Saturn's  son 


238  HOMER'S      ILIAD.       Book  VII. 

In  life-destroying  conflict  hath  involv'd  ; 

So  mov'd  the  giant  Ajax,  prop  of  Greece, 

"With  sternly  smiling  mien  ;  with  haughty  stride 

lie  trod  the  plain,  and  pois'd  his  pond'rons  spear.  240 

The  Greeks,  rejoicing,  on  their  champion  gaz'd, 

The  Trojans'  limbs  beneath  them  shook  with  fear  ; 

Ev'n  Hector's  heart  beat  quicker  in  his  breast ; 

Yet  quail  he  must  not  now,  nor  back  retreat 

Amid  his  comrades — he,  the  challenger  !  245 

Ajax  approach' d  ;  before  him,  as  a  tow'r 

His  mighty  shield  he  bore,  sev'n-fold,  brass-bound, 

The  work  of  Tychius,  best  artificer 

That  wrought  in  leather ;  he  in  Hyla  dwelt. 

Of  sev'n-fold  hides  the  pond'rous  shield  was  wrought 

Of  lusty  bulls ;  the  eighth  was  glitt'ring  brass.        251 

This  by  the  son  of  Telamon  was  borne 

Before  his  breast ;  to  Hector  close  he  came, 

And  thus  with  words  of  haughty  menace  spoke : 

"  Hector,  I  now  shall  teach  thee,  man  to  man,  255 
The  mettle  of  the  chiefs  we  yet  possess, 
Although  Achilles  of  the  lion  heart, 
Mighty  in  battle,  be  not  with  us  still ; 


Book  VIJ.      HOMER'S     ILIAD.  239 

He  by  Iris  ocean-going  ships  indeed 
Against  Atrides  nurses  still  his  wrath  ;  260 

Yet  are  there  those  who  dare  encounter  thee, 
And  not  a  few  ;  then  now  begin  the  fight." 

To  whom  great  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  : 
"  Ajax,  brave  leader,  son  of  Telamon, 
Deal  not  with  me  as  with  a  feeble  child,  265 

Or  woman,  ign'rant  of  the  ways  of  war  ; 
Of  war  and  carnage  every  point  I  know  ; 
And  well  I  know  to  wield,  now  right,  now  left, 
The  tough  bull's-hide  that  forms  my  stubborn  targe  : 
Well  know  I  too  my  fiery  steeds  to  urge,  270 

And  raise  the  war-cry  in  the  standing  fight. 
But  not  in  secret  ambush  would  I  watch, 
To  strike,  by  stealth,  a  noble  foe  like  thee  ; 
But  slay  thee,  if  I  may,  in  open  fight." 

He  said ;  and,  poising,  hurl'd  his  pond'rous  spear ; 
The  brazen  cov'ring  of  the  shield  it  struck,  276 

The  outward  fold,  the  eighth,  above  the  sev'n 
Of  tough  bull's-hide  ;  through  six  it  drove  its  way 
With  stubborn  force  ;  but  in  the  seventh  was  stay'd. 
Then  Ajax  hurl'd  in  turn  his  pond'rous  spear,         280 


>£ 


240  HOMER'S      ILIAD.       Book  VIL 

And  struck  the  circle  true  of  Hector's  shield  ; 

Right  thro'  the  glitt'ring  shield  the  stout  spear  pass'd, 

And  thro'  the  well-wrought  breastplate  drove  its  way ; 

And,  underneath,  the  linen  vest  it  tore  ;  284 

But  Hector,  stooping,  shunn'd  the  stroke  of  death. 

"Withdrawing  then  their  weapons,  each  on  each 

They  fell,  like  lions  fierce,  or  tusked  hoars, 

In  strength  the  mightiest  of  the  forest  beasts. 

Then  Hector  fairly  on  the  centre  struck 

The  stubborn  shield  ;  yet  drove  not  through  the  spear  ; 

For  the  stout  brass  the  blunted  point  repell'd.         291 

But  Ajax,  with  a  forward  bound,  the  shield 

Of  Hector  pierc'd  ;  right  through  the  weapon  pass'd  ; 

Arrested  with  rude  shock  the  warrior's  course, 

And  graz'd  his  neck,  that  spouted  forth  the  blood.  295 

Yet  did  not  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm 

Flinch  from  the  contest :  stooping  to  the  ground, 

With  his  broad  hand  a  pond'rous  stone  he  seiz'd, 

That  lay  upon  the  plain,  dark,  jagg'd,  and  huge, 

And  hurl'd  against  the  sev'n-fold  shield,  and  struck 

Full  on  the  central  boss  ;  loud  rang  the  brass  :       301 

Then  Ajax  rais'd  a  weightier  mass  of  rock 


Book  VII.        HOMER'S     ILIAD.  241 

And  sent  it  "whirling,  giving  to  his  ami 

Unmeasur'd  impulse  ;  with  a  millstone's  weight 

It  crush'd  the  buckler ;  Hector's  knees  gave  way  ;  305 

Backward  he  stagger'd,  yet  upon  his  shield 

Sustain'd,  till  Phoebus  rais'd  him  to  his  -feet. 

Wow  had  they  hand  to  hand  with  swords  engag'd, 

Had  not  the  messengers  of  Gods  and  men, 

The  heralds,  interpos'd  ;  the  one  for  Troy,  310 

The  other  umpire  for  the  brass-clad  Greeks, 

Talthybius  and  Idaeus,  well  approv'd. 

Between  the  chiefs  they  held  their  wands,  and  thus 

Idseus  both  with  prudent  speech  address'd  : 

"  Wo  more,  brave  youths  !  no  longer  wage  the  light : 

To  cloud-compelling  Jove  ye  both  are  dear,  316 

Both  valiant  spearmen  ;  that,  we  all  have  seen. 

Night  is  at  hand  ;  behoves  us  yield  to  night." 

Whom  answer'd  thus  the  son  of  Telamon  : 
"  Idaeus,  bid  that  Hector  speak  those  words  :  320 

He  ch alienor' d  all  our  chiefs  :  let  him  beojin  : 
If  he  be  willing,  I  shall  not  refuse." 

To  whom  great  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  : 
"  Ajax,  since  God  hath  giv'n  thee  size, and  strength, 

VOL.    I.  R. 


/ 

242  HOMEK'S     ILIAD.        Book  VIL 


And  skill ;  and  with  the  spear,  of  all  the  Greeks    325 

None  is  thine  equal ;  cease  we  for  to-day 

The  fight ;  hereafter  we  may  meet,  and  Heav'n 

Decide  our  cause,  and  one  with  vict'ry  crown. 

Night  is  at  hand  ;  behoves  us  yield  to  night. 

So  by  the  ships  shalt  thou  rejoice  the  Greeks,         330 

And  most  of  all,  thy  comrades  and  thy  friends  ; 

And  so  shall  I,  in  Priam's  royal  town, 

Rejoice  the  men  of  Troy,  and  long-rob'd  dames, 

"Who  shall  with  grateful  pray'rs  the  temples  throng. 

But  make  we  now  an  interchange  of  gifts,  335 

That  both  the  Trojans  and  the  Greeks  may  say, 

'  On  mortal  quarrel  did  those  warriors  meet, 

Yet  parted  thence  in  friendly  bonds  conjoin'd.'  " 

This  said,  a  silver-studded  sword  he  gave, 
"With  scabbard  and  with  well-cut  belt  complete  ;    340 
Ajax  a  girdle,  rich  with  crimson  dye. 
They  parted ;  Ajax  to  the  Grecian  camp, 
And  Hector  to  the  ranks  of  Troy  return'd  : 
Great  was  the  joy  when  him  they  saw  approach, 
Alive  and  safe  ;  escap'd  from  Ajax'  might  345 

And  arm  invincible  ;  and  tow'rd  the  town 


cook  VII.      HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  243 

They  led  liim  back,  beyond  their  hope  preserv'd  ; 
"While  to  Atrides'  tent  the  well-greav'd  Greeks 
Led  Ajax,  glorying  in  his  triumph  gain'd. 

But  when  to  Agamemnon's  tents  they  came,      350 
The  King  of  men  to  Saturn's  royal  son 
A  bullock  slew,  a  male  of  five  years  old  ; 
The  carcase  then  they  flay'd ;  and  cutting  up, 
Sever'd  the  joints  ;  then  fixing  on  the  spits, 
Roasted  with  care,  and  from  the  fire  withdrew.     355 
Their  labours  ended,  and  the  feast  prepar'd, 
They  shar'd  the  social  meal,  nor  lack'd  there  aught. 
To  Ajax  then  the  chine's  continuous  length, 
As  honour's  meed,  the  mighty  monarch  gave. 
The  rage  of  thirst  and  hunger  satisfied,  360 

The  aged  Nestor  first  his  mind  disclos'd  ; 
He  who,  before,  the  sagest  counsel  gave, 
Now  thus  with  prudent  speech  began,  and  said : 
"  Atrides,  and  ye  other  chiefs  of  Greece, 
Since  many  a  long-hair'd  Greek  hatlt  fall'n  in  fight,  365 
Whose  blood,  beside  Scamander's  flowing  stream, 
Fierce  Mars  has  shed,  while  to  the  viewless  shades 
Their  spirits  are  gone,  behoves  thee  with  the  morn 


244  HOMEB'S      ILIAD.       Book  YI1 

The  warfare  of  the  Gree.:-  :    intermit  : 

Tlien  we,  with  oxen  and  with  mules,  the  dead       370 

From  all  the  plain  will  draw ;  and.  from  the  ships 

A  little  space  reniov'd,  will  burn  with  fire  : 

That  we.  returning  to  our  native 

11  .y  to  their  children  bear  our  comrades^  bor. 

T^en  will  we  go,  and  on  the  plain  ere 

und  the  pyre  one  common  mound  for  all ; 
Then  quickly  build  before  it  lofty  tow'rs 
To  screen  both  ships  and  men  ;  and  in  the  to- 
Alake  ample  portals,  with  well-fitting  gates, 

at  through  the  midst  a  carriage-way  may  p.--  :  380 
i  a  deep  trench  around  it  dig.  to  guard 
I  a  men  and  chariots,  lest  on  our  defence 
e  haughty  Trojans  should  too  hardly  press." 
He  said ;  and  all  the  Kings  his  words  approv' 
Meanwhile,  on  Hiunrs  height,  at  Priam's  gat  .       385 
1  he  Trojan  chiefs  a  troubled  council  held ; 
v.  ..Ich  op'ning,  thus  the  sage  Antenor  spoke: 
"' Hear  no"  .  ye  T.  >jans,  Darian;.  and  Allies, 
The  words  I  speak,  the  promptings  of  my  soul. 
Back  to  the  sons  of  Atrena  let  us  sire  390 


Book  VII.        HOMER'S     ILIAD.  2±5 

The  Argive  Helen,  and  the  goods  she  brought ; 

For  now  in  breach  of  plighted  faith  we  tight ; 

Hot  can  I  hope,  unless  to  my  advice 

Ye  listen,  that  success  will  crown  our  arms." 

Thus  having  said,  he  sat :  and  next  arose  393 

The  godlike  Paris,  fair-kair'd  Helen's  Lord  : 

"Who  thus  with  winged  words  the  chiefs  address'd : 

"  Hostile  to  me.  Antenor,  is  thy  speech ; 

Thy  better  judgment  better  counsel  knows  ; 

But  if  in  earnest  such  is  thine  advice.  400 

Thee  of  thv  senses  have  the  Gods  bereft. 

Now,  Trojans,  hear  my  answer;  I  reject 

The  counsel,  nor  the  woman  will  restore  ; 

But  for  the  ffoods,  whate'er  I  hither  brought 

To  Troy  from  Argos,  I  am  well  content  405 

To  give  them  all,  and  others  add  beside." 

This  said,  he  sat ;  and  aged  Priam  next, 
A  God  in  council,  Dardan's  son,  arose. 
Who  thus  with  prudent,  speech  began,  and  said  : 

"  Hear  now,  ye  Trojans,  Dardans,  and  Allies,  410 
The  words  I  speak,  the  promptings  of  my  soul : 
Now  through  the  citv  take  your  wonted  meal ; 


246  HOMER'S    ILIAD.       Book  VII. 

Look  to  your  watch,  let  each  man  keep  his  guard : 

To-morrow  shall  Idseus  to  the  ships 

Of  Greece,  to  both  the  sons  of  Atreus,  bear  415 

The  words  of  Paris,  cause  of  all  this  war  ; 

And  ask  besides,  if  from  the  deadly  strife 

Such  truce  they  will  accord  us  as  may  serve 

To  burn  the  dead  ;  hereafter  we  may  fight 

Till  Heav'n  decide,  and  one  with  vict'ry  crown."  42C 

He  said ;  and  they,  obedient  to  his  word, 
Throughout  the  ranks  prepar'd  the  wonted  meal : 
But  with  the  morning  to  the  ships  of  Greece 
Idseus  took  his  way :  in  council  there 
By  Agamemnon's  leading  ship  he  found  425 

The  Grecian  chiefs,  the  ministers  of  Mars  : 
And  'mid  them  all  the  clear-voic'd  herald  spoke : 

"  Ye  sons  of  Atreus,  and  ye  chiefs  of  Greece, 
From  Priam,  and  the  gallant  sons  of  Troy, 
I  come,  to  bear,  if  ye  be  pleas'd  to  hear,  430 

The  words  of  Paris,  cause  of  all  this  war  : 
The  goods  which  hither  in  his  hollow  ships 
(Would  he  had  perish'd  rather  !)  Paris  brought, 
He  will  restore,  and  others  add  beside ; 


Book  VII.       HOMEE'S      ILIAD.  247 

But  further  says,  the  virgin-wedded  wife  435 

Of  Meneliius,  though  the  gen'ral  voice 

Of  Troy  should  bid  him,  he  will  not  restore  : 

Then  bids  me  ask,  if  from  the  deadly  strife 

Such  truce  ye  will  accord  us  as  may  serve 

To  burn  the  dead  :  hereafter  we  may  fight  440 

Till  ITeav'n  decide,  and  one  with  vict'ry  crown." 

Thus  he  :  they  all  in  silence  heard  ;  at  length 
Uprose  the  valiant  Diomed,  and  said  ; 
"  Let  none  from  Paris  now  propose  to  accept 
Or  goods,  or  Helen's  self ;  a  child  may  see  445 

That  now  the  doom  of  Troy  is  close  at  hand." 
He  said ;  the  sons  of  Greece,  with  loud  applause, 
The  speech  of  valiant  Diomed  confirm'd. 

Then  to  Idaeus  Agamemnon  thus  : 
"Idseus,  thou  hast  heard  what  answer  give  450 

The  chiefs  of  Greece — their  answer  I  approve. 
But  for  the  truce,  for  burial  of  the  dead, 
I  nought  demur ;  no  shame  it  is  to  grace 
With  fun'ral  rites  the  corpse  of  slaughter'd  foes. 
Be  witness,  Jove  !  and  guard  the  plighted  truce."  455 

He  said :  and  heav'nward  rais'd  his  staff ;  and  back 


248  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.        Book  VIL 

To  Ilium's  walls  Idaeus  took  his  way. 

Trojans  and  Dardans  there  in  council  met 

Expecting  sat,  till  from  the  Grecian  camp 

Idauis  should  return  ;  he  came,  and  stood  460 

In  mid  assembly,  and  his  message  gave : 

Then  all  in  haste  their  sev'ral  ways  dispers'd, 

For  fuel  some,  and  some  to  bring  the  dead. 

The  Greeks  too  from  their  well-mann'd  ships  went  forth 

For  fuel  some,  and  some  to  bring  the  dead.  465 

The  sun  was  newly  glancing  on  the  earth. 

From  out  the  ocean's  smoothly-flowing  depths 

Climbing  the  Heav'ns,  when  on  the  plain  they  met. 

Hard  was  it  then  to  recognize  the  dead  ; 

But  when  the  gory  dust  was  wash'd  away,  470 

Shedding  hot  tears,  they  plac'd  them  on  the  wains. 

ISTor  loud  lament,  by  Priam's  high  command, 

"Was  heard  ;  in  silence  they,  with  grief  suppress'd, 

Heap'd  up  their  dead  upon  the  fun'ral  pyre  ; 

Then  burnt  with  fire,  and  back  return'd  to  Troy.  475 

The  well-greav'd  Greeks,  they  too,  with  grief  suppress'd, 

Heap'd  up  their  dead  upon  the  fun'ral  pyre  ; 

Then  burnt  with  fire,  and  to  the  ships  return'd. 


Book  VII.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  249 

But  ere  'twas  morn,  while  daylight  strove  with  night, 
About  the  pyre  a  chosen  band  of  Greeks  480 

Had  kept  their  vigil,  and  around  it  rais'd 
Upon  the  plain  one  common  mound  for  all ; 
And  built  in  front  a  wall,  with  lofty  tow'rs 
To  screen  both  ships  and  men  ;  and  in  the  tow'rs 
Made  ample  portals  with  well-fitting  gates,  485 

That  through  the  midst  a  carriage-way  might  pass  : 
Then  dug  a  trench  around  it,  deep  and  wide, 
And  in  the  trench  a  palisade  they  fix'd« 

Thus  labour'dthro'  the  night  the  long-hair'd  Greeks : 
The  Gods,  assembled  in  the  courts  of  Jove,  490 

With  wonder  view'd  the  mighty  work  ;  and  thus 
Neptune,  Earth-shaking  King,  his  speech  began  : 
"  O  Father  Jove,  in  all  the  wide-spread  earth 
Shall  men  be  found,  in  counsel  and  design 
To  rival  us  Immortals  ?  see'st  thou  not  495 

How  round  their  ships  the  long-hair'd  Greeks  have  built 
A  lofty  wall,  and  dug  a  trench  around, 
Nor  to  the  Gods  have  paid  their  off 'rings  due  ! 
Wide  as  the  light  extends  shall  be  the  fame 
Of  this  great  work,  and  men  shall  lightly  deem     500 


250  HOMEK'S     ILIAD.       Book  VIL 

Of  that  which  I  and  Phoebus  jointly  rais'd, 
"With  toil  and  pain,  for  great  Laomedon." 

To  whom  in  wrath  the  Cloud-compeller  thus  : 
"  Neptune,  Earth-shaking  King,  what  words  are  these  ? 
This  bold  design  to  others  of  the  Gods,  505 

Of  feebler  hands,  and  pow'r  less  great  than  thine, 
Might  cause  alarm  ;  but,  far  as  light  extends, 
Of  this  great  work  to  thee  shall  be  the  fame  : 
When  with  their  ships  the  long-hair'd  Greeks  shall  take 
Their  homeward  voyage  to  their  native  land,         510 
This  wall  shall  by  the  waves  be  broken  through, 
And  sink,  a  shapeless  ruin,  in  the  sea : 
O'er  the  wide  shore  again  thy  sands  shall  spread, 
And  all  the  boasted  work  of  Greece  o'erwhelm." 

Amid  themselves  such  converse  held  the  Gods.  515 
The  sun  was  set ;  the  Grecian  work  was  done  ; 
They  slew,  and  shar'd,  by  tents,  the  ev'ning  meal. 
Erom  Lemnos'  isle  a  num'rous  fleet  had  come 
Freighted  with  wine  ;  and  by  Euneus  sent, 
Whom  fair  Hypsipyle  to  Jason  bore.  520 

For  Atreus'  sons,  apart  from  all  the  rest, 
Of  wine,  the  son  of  Jason  had  despatch'd 


Book  VII.        HOMER'S    ILIAD.  251 

A  thousand  measures  ;  all  the  other  Greeks 
Hasten'd  to  purchase,  some  with  brass,  and  some 
With  gleaming  iron  ;  other  some  with  hides,        525 
Cattle,  or  slaves  ;  and  joyous  wax'd  the  feast. 
All  night  the  long-hair'd  Greeks  their  revels  held, 
And  so  in  Troy,  the  Trojans  and  Allies  : 
But  through  the  night  his  anger  Jove  express'd 
With  awful  thunderings  ;  pale  they  turn'd  with  fear : 
To  earth  the  wine  was  from  the  goblets  shed,         531 
Nor  dar'd  they  drink,  until  libations  due 
Had  first  been  pour'd  to  Saturn's  mighty  son. 

Then  lay  they  down,  and  sought  the  boon  of  sleep. 


ARGUMENT. 

THE  SECOND  BATTLE,  AND  THE  DISTRESS  OF  THE  GREEK8. 

Jupiter  assembles  a  council  of  the  deities,  and  threatens  them  -with 
the  pains  of  Tartarus,  if  they  assist  either  side  :  Minerva  only 
obtains  of  him  that  she  may  direct  the  Greeks  by  her  counsels. 
The  armies  join  battle ;  Jupiter  on  Mount  Ida  weighs  in  his  bal- 
ances the  fates  of  both,  and  affrights  the  Greeks  with  his  thunders 
and  lightnings.  Nestor  alone  continues  in  the  field  in  great  dan- 
ger ;  Diomed  relieves  him ;  whose  exploits,  and  those  of  Hector, 
are  excellently  described.  Juno  endeavours  to  animate  Neptune 
to  the  assistance  of  the  Greeks,  but  in  vain.  The  acts  of  Teucer, 
who  is  at  length  wounded  by  Hector,  and  carried  off.  Juno  and 
Minerva  prepare  to  aid  the  Grecians,  but  are  restrained  by  Iria, 
sent  from  Jupiter.  The  night  puts  an  end  to  the  battle.  Hector 
continues  in  the  field,  (the  Greeks  being  driven  to  their  fortifica- 
tions before  the  ships,)  and  gives  orders  to  keep  the  watch  all 
night  in  the  camp,  to  prevent  the  enemy  from  re-embarking  and 
escaping  by  flight.  They  kindle  fires  through  all  the  field,  and 
pass  the  night  under  arms. 

The  time  of  seven-and-twenty  days  is  employed  from  the  opening 
of  the  poem  to  the  end  of  this  book.  The  scene  hure  (except  of 
the  celestial  machines)  lies  in  the  field  toward  the  sea-shore. 


Book  VIII.       HOMER'S     ILIAD.  255 


BOOK    VIII. 

]VTOW  morn,  in  saffron  robe,  the  earth  o'erspread ; 

■^    And  Jove,  the  lightning's  Lord,  of  all  the  Goda 

A  council  held  upon  the  highest  peak 

Of  many-ridg'd  Olympus  ;  he  himself 

Address'd  them  ;  they  his  speech  attentive  heard.     5 

"  Hear,  all  ye  Gods,  and  all  ye  Goddesses, 
The  words  I  speak,  the  promptings  of  my  soul. 
Let  none  among  you,  male  or  female,  dare 
To  thwart  my  counsels  :  rather  all  concur, 
That  so  these  matters  I  may  soon  conclude.  10 

If,  from  the  rest  apart,  one  God  I  find 
Presuming  or  to  Trojans  or  to  Greeks 
To  give  his  aid,  with  ignominious  stripes 
Back  to  Olympus  shall  that  God  be  driv'n ; 
'  Or  to  the  gloom  of  Tartarus  profound,  15 

Far  off,  the  lowest  abyss  beneath  the  earth, 


256  HOMER'S     ILIAD.       Book  VIII 

With,  gates  of  iron,  and  with,  floor  of  brass, 

Beneath  the  shades  as  far  as  earth  from  Heav'n, 

There  will  I  hurl  him,  and  ye  all  shall  know 

In  strength  how  greatly  I  surpass  you  all.  20 

Make  trial  if  ye  will,  that  all  may  know. 

A  golden  cord  let  down  from  Heav'n,  and  all, 

Both  Gods  and  Goddesses,  your  strength  apply : 

Yet  would  ye  fail  to  drag  from  Heav'n  to  earth, 

Strive  as  ye  may,  your  mighty  master,  Jove  ;  25 

But  if  I  choose  to  make  my  pow'r  be  known, 

The  earth  itself,  and  ocean,  I  could  raise, 

And  binding  round  Olympus'  ridge  the  cord, 

Leave  them  suspended  so  in  middle  air : 

So  far  supreme  my  pow'r  o'er  Gods  and  men."   30 

He  said,  and  they,  confounded  by  his  words, 
In  silence  sat ;  so  sternly  did  he  speak. 
At  length  the  blue-ey'd  Goddess,  Pallas,  said  : 
"  O  Father,  Son  of  Saturn,  King  of  Kings, 
"Well  do  we  know  thy  pow'r  invincible  ;  35 

Yet  deeply  grieve  we  for  the  warlike  Greeks, 
Condemn'd  to  hopeless  ruin  ;  from  the  fight, 
Since  such  is  thy  command,  we  stand  aloof; 


BooeVIIL      HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  257 

But  yet  some  saving  counsel  may  we  give, 

Lest  in  thine  anger  thou  destroy  them  quite."  40 

To  whom  the  Cloud-compeller,  smiling,  thus : 
"  Be  of  good  cheer,  my  child;  unwillingly 
I  speak,  yet  will  not  thwart  thee  of  thy  wish." 

He  said,  and  straight  the  brazen-footed  steeds, 

Of  swiftest  flight,  with  manes  of  flowing  gold,  45 

He  harness'd  to  his  chariot ;  all  in  gold 

Himself  array'd,  the  golden  lash  he  grasp'd, 

Of  curious  work  ;  and  mounting  on  his  car, 

Urg'd  the  fleet  coursers  ;  nothing  loth,  they  flew 

Midway  betwixt  the  earth  and  starry  heav'n.  50 

To  Ida's  spring-abounding  hill  he  came, 

And  to  the  crest  of  Gargarus,  wild  nurse 

Of  mountain  beasts  ;  a  sacred  plot  was  there, 

"Whereon  his  incense-honour'd  altar  stood  : 

There  stay'd  his  steeds  the  Sire  of  Gods  and  men,   55 

Loos'd  from  the  car,  and  veil'd  with  clouds  around. 

Then  on  the  topmost  ridge  he  sat,  in  pride 

Of  conscious  strength ;    and  looking  down,  survey'd 

The  Trojan  city,  and  the  ships  of  Greece.  59 

Meantime,  the  Greeks  throughout  their  tents  in  haste 
vol.  i.  s 


258  HOMER'S      ILIAD.     Book  VIIL 

Despatch'd  their  meal,  and  arm'd  them  for  the  fight ; 

On  tli'  other  side  the  Trojans  donn'd  their  arms, 

In  numbers  fewer,  but  with  stern  resolve, 

By  hard  necessity  constrain'd,  to  strive, 

For  wives  and  children,  in  the  stubborn  fight.  65 

The  gates  all  open'd  wide,  forth  pour'd  the  crowd     • 

Of  horse  and  foot ;  and  loud  the  clamour  rose. 

"When  in  the  midst  they  met,  together  rush'd 

Bucklers  and  lances,  and  the  furious  might 

Of  mail-clad  warriors  ;  bossy  shield  on  shield  70 

Clatter'd  in  conflict ;  loud  the  clamour  rose  : 

Then  rose  too  mingled  shouts  and  groans  of  men 

Slaying  and  slain  ;  the  earth  ran  red  with  blood. 

While  yet  'twas  morn,  and  wax'd  the  youthful  day, 

Thick  flew  the  shafts,  and  fast  the  people  fell  75 

On  either  side  ;  but  when  the  sun  had  reach'd 

The  middle  Heav'n,  th'  Eternal  Father  hung 

His  golden  scales  aloft,  and  plac'd  in  each 

The  fatal  death-lot :  for  the  sons  of  Troy 

The  one,  the  other  for  the  brass-clad  Greeks  ;  80 

Then  held  them  by  the  midst ;  down  sank  the  lot 

Of  Greece,  down  to  the  ground,  while  high  aloft 


Book  VIII.      HOMER'S    ILIAD.  259 

Mounted  the  Trojan  scale,  and  rose  to  Heav'n.* 
Then  loud  he  bade  the  volleying  thunder  peal 
From  Ida's  heights ;  and  'mid  the  Grecian  ranks       85 
He  hurl'd  his  flashing  lightning  ;  at  the  sight 
Amaz'd  they  stood,  and  pale  with  terror  shook. 

Then  not  Idomeneus,  nor  Atreus'  son, 
The  mighty  Agamemnon,  kept  their  ground, 
Nor  either  Ajax,  ministers  of  Mars  ;  90 

Gerenian  Nestor,  aged  prop  of  Greece, 
Alone  remain'd,  and  he  against  his  will, 
His  horse  sore  wounded  by  an  arrow  shot 
By  godlike  Paris,  fair-hair'd  Helen's  Lord  : 
Just  on  the  crown,  where  close  behind  the  head      95 
First  springs  the  mane,  the  deadliest  spot  of  all, 
The  arrow  struck  him  ;  madden'd  with  the  pain 
He  rear'd,  then  plunging  forward,  with  the  shaft 
Fix'd  in  his  brain,  and  rolling  in  the  dust, 
The  other  steeds  in  dire  confusion  threw  ;  100 


*  See  also  Book  xxii.  1.  252. 

Milton,  in  the  corresponding  passage  at  the  close  of  the  4th  Book 
of  '  Paradise  Lost,'  reverses  the  sign,  and  represents  the  scale  of  the 
vanquished  as  "  flying  up  "  and  "  kicking  the  beam." 

"  The  Fiend  look'd  up,  and  knew 
His  mounted  scale  aloft ;  nor  more,  but  fled 
Murm'ring,  and  -with  him  fled  the  shades  of  night" 


260  HOMER'S      ILIAD.       Book  VIII 

And  while  old  JSTestor  with  his  sword  essay'd 

To  cut  the  reins,  and  free  the  struggling  horse, 

Amid  the  rout  down  came  the  flying  steeds 

Of  Hector,  guided  by  no  timid  hand, 

By  Hector's  self;  then  had  the  old  man  paid         105 

The  forfeit  of  his  life,  but,  good  at  need, 

The  valiant  Diomed  his  peril  saw, 

And  loudly  shouting,  on  Ulysses  call'd  : 

"  Ulysses  sage,  Laertes'  godlike  son, 

Why  fliest  thou,  coward-like,  amid  the  throng,       1 10 

And  in  thy  flight  to  the  aim  of  hostile  spears 

Thy  back  presenting  ?  stay,  and  here  with  me 

From  this  fierce  warrior  guard  the  good  old  man." 

He  said  ;  but  stout  Ulysses  heard  him  not, 
And  to  the  ships  pursued  his  hurried  way.  115 

But  in  the  front,  Tydides,  though  alone, 
Remain'd  undaunted  ;  by  old  Nestor's  car 
He  stood,  and  thus  the  aged  chief  address'd  : 
"  Old  man,  these  youthful  warriors  press  thee  sore, 
Thy  vigour  spent,  and  with  the  weight  of  years     120 
Oppress'd  ;  and  helpless  too  thy  charioteer, 


Book  VIII.        HOMER'S     ILIAD.  2G1 

And  slow  thy  horses  ;  mount  my  car,  and  prove 

How  swift  my  steeds,  or  in  pursuit  or  flight, 

From  those  of  Tros  descended,' scour  the  plain; 

My  noble  prize  from  great  ^Eneas  won.  125 

Leave  to  th'  attendants  these  ;  while  mine  we  launch 

Against  the  Trojan  host,  that  Hector's  self 

May  know  how  strong  my  hand  can  hurl  the  spear." 

He  said ;  and  Nestor  his  advice  obey'd  : 
The  two  attendants,  valiant  Sthenelus,  130 

And  good  Eurymedon,  his  horses  took, 
"While  on  Tydides'  car  they  mounted  both. 
The  aged  Nestor  took  the  glitt'ring  reins, 
And  urg'd  the  horses  ;  Hector  soon  they  met : 
As  on  he  came,  his  spear  Tydides  threw,  135 

Yet  struck  not  Hector  ;  but  his  charioteer, 
Who  held  the  reins,  the  brave  Thebseus'  son, 
Eniopeus,  through  the  breast  transfix'd, 
Beside  the  nipple  ;  from  the  car  he  fell, 
The  startled  horses  swerving  at  the  sound  ;  110 

And  from  his  limbs  the  vital  spirit  fled. 
Deep,  for  his  comrade  slain,  was  Hector's  grief ; 
Yet  him,  though  griev'd,  perforce  he  left  to  seek 


262  HOIEE'S     ILIAD.       Book  VIII 

A  charioteer  ;  nor  wanted  long  his  steeds 

A  guiding  hand  ;  for  Archeptolemus,  145 

Brave  son  of  Iphitus,  he  quickly  found, 

And  bade  him  mount  his  swiftly-flying  car, 

And  to  his  hands  the  glitt'ring  reins  transferr'd. 

Then  fearful  ruin  had  been  wrought,  and  deeds 
Untold  achiev'd,  and  like  a  flock  of  lambs,  150 

The  adverse  hosts  been  coop'd  beneath  the  walls, 
Had  not  the  Sire  of  Gods  and  men  beheld, 
And  with  an  awful  peal  of  thunder  hurl'd 
His  vivid  lightning  down  ;  the  fiery  bolt 
Before  Tydides'  chariot  plough"d  the  ground.  155 

Fierce  flash'd  the  sulph'rous  flame,  and  whirling  round 
Beneath  the  yoke  th'  affrighted  horses  quailed. 

From  Nestor's  hand  escap'd  the  glitt'ring  reins, 
And,  trembling,  thus  to  Diomed  he  spoke  : 

"  Turn  we  to  flight,  Tydides  ;  see'st  thou  not,    160 
That  Jove  from  us  his  aiding  hand  withholds  ? 
This  day  to  Hector  Saturn's  son  decrees 
The  meed  of  vict'ry ;  on  some  future  day, 
If  so  he  will,  the  triumph  may  be  ours ; 
For  man,  how  brave  soe'er,  cannot  o'errule  165 


Book  VIII.      HOMER'S     ILIAD.  263 

The  will  of  Jove,  so  much  the  mightier  he." 
"Whom  answer'd  thus  the  valiant  Diomed  : 
"  Truly,  old  man,  and  wisely  dost  thou  speak ; 
But  this  the  bitter  grief  that  wrings  my  soul : 
Some  day,  amid  the  councillors  of  Troy  170 

Hector  may  say,  '  Before  my  presence  scar'd 
Tydides  sought  the  shelter  of  the  ships.' 
Thus  when  he  boasts,  gape  earth,  and  hide  my  shame !" 

To  whom  Gerenian  Nestor  thus  replied  : 
"  Great  son  of  Tydeus,  oh  what  words  are  these  !  175 
Should  Hector  brand  thee  with  a  coward's  name, 
No  credence  would  he  gain  from  Trojan  men, 
Or  Dardan,  or  from  Trojan  warriors'  wives, 
Whose  husbands  in  the  dust  thy  hand  hath  laid." 

He  said,  and  'mid  the  general  rout,  to  flight      180 
He  turn'd  his  horses  ;  on  the  flying  crowd, 
"With  shouts  of  triumph,  Hector  at  their  head, 
The  men  of  Troy  their  murd'rous  weapons  show'r'd. 
Loud  shouted  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  : 
"  Tydides,  heretofore  the  warrior  Greeks  185 

Have  held  thee  in  much  honour  ;  plac'd  on  high 
At  banquets,  and  with  lib'ral  portions  grac'd, 


264  HOMER'S     ILIAD.       Book  VIII. 

And  flowing  cups  :  but  thou,  from  this  day  forth, 

Shalt  he  their  scorn  !  a  woman's  soul  is  thine ! 

Out  on  thee,  frighten'd  girl !  thou  ne'er  shalt  scale  i90 

Our  Trojan  tow'rs,  and  see  me  basely  fly; 

Nor  in  thy  ships  our  women  bear  away : 

Ere  such  thy  boast,  my  hand  shall  work  thy  doom." 

Thus  he  ;  and  greatly  was  Tydides  mov'd 
To  turn  his  horses,  and  confront  his  foe  :  195 

Thrice  thus  he  doubted  ;  thrice,  at  Jove's  command, 
From  Ida's  height  the  thunder  peal'd,  in  sign 
Of  vict'ry  swaying  to  the  Trojan  side. 
Then  to  the  Trojans  Hector  call'd  aloud : 
"  Trojans,  and  Lycians,  and  ye  Dardans,  fam'd     2C0 
In  close  encounter,  quit  ye  now  like  men ; 
Put  forth  your  wonted  valour  ;  for  I  know 
That  in  his  secret  counsels  Jove  designs 
Glory  to  me,  disaster  to  the  Greeks. 
Eools,  in  those  wretched  walls  that  put  their  trust, 
Scarce  worthy  notice,  hopeless  to  withstand  206 

My  onset ;  and  the  trench  that  they  have  dug, 
Our  horses  easily  can  overleap  ; 
And  when  I  reach  the  ships,  be  mindful  ye, 


Book  VIII.       HOMER'S    ILIAD.  265 

To  have  at  hand  the  fire,  wherewith  the  ships        210 
We  may  destroy,  while  they  themselves  shall  fall 
An  easy  prey,  bewilder' d  by  the  smoke." 

He  said,  and  thus  with  cheering  words  address'd 
His  horses  :  "  Xanthus,  and,  Podargus,  thou, 
^Ethon  and  Lampus,  now  repay  the  care  215 

On  you  bestow'd  by  fair  Andromache, 
Eetion's  royal  daughter ;  bear  in  mind 
How  she  with  ample  store  of  provender 
Your  mangers  still  supplied,  before  e'en  I, 
Her  husband,  from  her  hands  the  wine-cup  took.  220 
Put  forth  your  speed,  that  we  may  make  our  prize 
Of  Nestor's  shield,  whose  praise  extends  to  Heav'n, 
Its  handles,  and  itself,  of  solid  gold  ; 
And  from  the  shoulders  of  Tydides  strip 
His  gorgeous  breastplate,  work  of  Vulcan's  hand  : 
These  could  we  take,  methinks  this  very  night      226 
"Would  see  the  Greeks  embarking  on  their  ships." 

Such  was  his  pray'r ;  but  Juno  on  her  throne 
Trembled  with  rage,  till  great  Olympus  quak'd, 
And  thus  to  Neptune,  mighty  God,  she  spoke :      230 
"  O  thou  of  boundless  might,  Earth-shaking  God, 


266  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.      Book  V1IL 

See'st  thou  immov'd  tlie  ruin  of  the  Greeks  ? 

Yet  they  in  ^Egoe  and  in  Helice, 

With  grateful  off  'rings  rich  thine  altars  crown  ; 

Then  give  we  them  the  vict'ry ;  if  we  all  235 

Who  favour  Greece,  together  should  combine 

To  put  to  flight  the  Trojans,  and  restrain 

All-seeing  Jove,  he  might  be  left  alone, 

On  Ida's  summit  to  digest  his  wrath." 

To  whom,  in  anger,  Neptune  thus  replied  :         240 
"  O  Juno,  rash  of  speech,  what  words  are  these  ! 
I  dare  not  counsel  that  we  all  should  join 
'Gainst  Saturn's  son  ;  so  much  the  stronger  he." 

Such  converse  held  they ;  all  the  space  meanwhile 
Within  the  trench,  between  the  tow'r  and  ships,   245 
Was  closely  throng'd  with  steeds  and  buckler'd  men ; 
By  noble  Hector,  brave  as  Mars,  and  led 
By  Jove  to  vict'ry,  coop'd  in  narrow  space  ; 
Who  now  had  burnt  with  fire  the  Grecian  ships, 
But  Juno  bade  Atrides  haste  to  rouse  250 

Their  fainting  courage  ;  through  the  camp  he  pass'd  ; 
On  his  broad  hand  a  purple  robe  he  bore, 
And  stood  upon  Ulysses'  lofty  ship, 


Book  VIII.        HOIEE'S    ILIAD.  267 

The  midmost,  whence  to  shout  to  either  side, 
Or  to  the  tents  of  Ajax  Telamon,  255 

Or  of  Achilles,  who  at  each  extreme, 
Confiding  in  their  strength,  had  moor'd  their  ships. 
Thence  to  the  Greeks  he  shouted,  loud  and  clear  : 
"  Shame  on  ye,  Greeks,  base  cowards,  brave  alone 
In  outward  semblance  !  where  are  now  the  vaunts  2G0 
Which  once  (so  highly  of  ourselves  we  deem'd) 
Ye  made,  vain-glorious  braggarts  as  ye  were, 
In  Lemnos'  isle,  when,  feasting  on  the  flesh 
Of  straight-horn'd  oxen,  and  your  flowing  cups 
Crowning  with  ruddy  wine,  not  one  of  you,  2G5 

But  for  a  hundred  Trojans  in  the  field, 
Or  for  two  hundred,  deem'd  himself  a  match  : 
Now  quail  ye  all  before  a  single  man, 
Hector,  who  soon  will  wrap  our  ships  in  fire. 
O  Father  Jove !  what  sov'reign  e'er  hast  thou        270 
So  far  deluded,  of  such  glory  robb'd  ? 
Yet  ne'er,  on  this  disastrous  voyage  bent, 
Have  I  unheeded  pass'd  thine  altar  by ; 
The  choicest  off  'rings  burning  still  on  each, 
In  hopes  to  raze  the  well-built  walls  of  Troy.  275 


268  HOMEE'S    ILIAD.      Book  Via 

Yet  to  this  pray'r  at  least  thine  ear  incline  ; 
Grant  that  this  coast  in  safety  we  may  leave, 
Nor  be  by  Trojans  utterly  subdued." 

He  said ;  and  Jove,  with  pity,  saw  his  tears  ; 
And,  with  a  sign,  his  people's  safety  vouch'd.  2S0 

He  sent  an  eagle,  noblest  bird  that  flies, 
Who  in  his  talons  bore  a  wild  deer's  fawn  : 
The  fawn  he  dropp'd  beside  the  holy  shrine, 
"Where  to  the  Lord  of  divination,  Jove, 
The  Greeks  were  wont  their  solemn  rites  to  pay.  285 
The  sign  from  Heav'n  they  knew  ;  with  courage  fresh 
Assail'd  the  Trojans,  and  the  fight  renew'd. 
Then  none  of  all  the  many  Greeks  might  boast 
That  he,  before  Tydides,  drove  his  car 
Across  the  ditch,  and  mingled  in  the  fight.  290 

His  was  the  hand  that  first  a  crested  chief, 
The  son  of  Phradmon,  Agelaus,  struck. 
He  turn'd  his  car  for  flight ;  but  as  he  turn'd, 
The  lance  of  Diomed,  behind  his  neck, 
Between  the  shoulders,  through  his  chest  was  driv'n  ; 
Headlong  he  fell,  and  loud  his  armour  rang.  290 

Next  to  Tydides,  Agamemnon  came, 


Book  VIII.       HOMER'S     ILIAD.  269 

And  Meneliius,  Atreus'  godlike  sons ; 

Tli'  Ajaces  both,  in  dauntless  courage  cloth'd  ; 

Idomeneus,  Avitli  whom  Meriones,  300 

His  faithful  comrade,  terrible  as  Mars ; 

Eurypylus,  Eusemon's  noble  son ; 

The  ninth  was  Teucer,  who,  with  bended  bow, 

Behind  the  shield  of  Ajax  Telamon 

Took  shelter  ;  Ajax  o'er  him  held  his  shield  ;         305 

Thence  look'd  he  round,  and  aim'd  amid  the  crowd ; 

And  as  he  saw  each  Trojan,  wounded,  fall, 

Struck  by  his  shafts,  to  Ajax  close  he  press'd, 

As  to  its  mother's  shelt'ring  arms  a  child, 

Conceal'd  and  safe  beneath  the  ample  targe.  310 

Say  then,  who  first  of  all  the  Trojans  fell 
By  Teucer's  arrows  slain  %     Orsilochus, 
And  Ophelestes,  Dsetor,  Ormenus, 
And  godlike  Lycophontes,  Chromius, 
And  Amopaon,  Polyoemon's  son,  315 

And  valiant  Melanippus  :  all  of  these, 
Each  after  other,  Teucer  laid  in  dust. 
Him  Agamemnon,  with  his  well-strung  bow 
Thinning  the  Trojan  ranks,  with  joy  beheld, 


270  HOMER'S     ILIAD.       Book  Via 

And,  standing  at  his  side,  address'd  him  thus  :       320 
"  Teucer,  good  comrade,  son  of  Telamon, 
Shoot  ever  thus,  if  thou  wouldst  be  the  light 
And  glory  of  the  Greeks,  and  of  thy  sire, 
Who  nursed  thine  infancy,  and  in  his  house 
Maintain'd,  though  bastard  ;  him,  though  distant  far, 
To  highest  fame  let  thine  achievements  raise.         326 
This  too  I  say,  and  will  make  good  my  word  : 
If  by  the  grace  of  segis-bearing  Jove, 
And  Pallas,  Ilium's  well-built  walls  we  raze, 
A  gift  of  honour,  second  but  to  mine,  330 

I  in  thy  hands  will  place  ;  a  tripod  bright, 
Or,  with  their  car  and  harness,  two  brave  steeds, 
Or  a  fair  woman  who  thy  bed  may  share." 
To  whom  in  answer  valiant  Teucer  thus  : 
"  Most  mighty  son  of  Atreus,  why  excite  335 

Who  lacks  not  zeal  ?     To  th'  utmost  of  my  pow'r 
Since  first  we  drove  the  Trojans  back,  I  watch, 
U  nceasing,  every  chance  to  ply  my  shafts. 
Eight  barbed  arrows  have  I  shot  e'en  now, 
And  in  a  warrior  each  has  found  its  mark ;  340 

That  savage  hound  alone  defeats  my  aim." 


Book  VIII.      HOMER'S     ILIAD.  271 

At  Hector,  as  he  spoke,  another  shaft 
He  shot,  ambitious  of  so  great  a  prize  : 
He  miss'd  his  aim  ;  but  Priam's  noble  son 
Gorgythion,  through  the  breast  his  arrow  struck,  34." 
"Whom  from  iEsyme  brought,  a  wedded  bride 
Of  heavenly  beauty,  Castianeira  bore. 
Down  sank  his  head,  as  in  a  garden  sinks 
A  ripen'd  poppy  charg'd  with  vernal  rains ; 
So  sank  his  head  beneath  his  helmet's  weight.       350 
At  Hector  yet  another  arrow  shot 
Teucer,  ambitious  of  so  great  a  prize  ; 
Yet  this  too  miss'd,  by  Phoebus  turn'd  aside  ; 
But  Archeptolemus,  the  charioteer 
Of  Hector,  onward  hurrying,  through  the  breast  355 
It  struck,  beside  the  nipple ;  from  the  car 
He  fell ;  aside  the  startled  horses  swerv'd  ; 
And  as  he  fell  the  vital  spirit  fled. 
Deep,  for  his  comrade  slain,  was  Hector's  grief; 
Yet  him,  though  griev'd  at  heart,  perforce  he  left, 
And  to  Cebriones,  his  brother,  call'd,  361 

Then  near  at  hand,  the  horses'  reins  to  take ; 
He  heard,  and  straight  obey'd ;  then  Hector  leap'd 


272  HOMER'S     ILIAD.       Book  VIII 

Down  from  his  glitt'ring  chariot  to  the  ground, 

His  fearful  war-cry  shouting  ;  in  his  hand  365 

A  pond'rous  stone  he  carried  ;  and,  intent 

To  strike  him  down,  at  Teucer  straight  he  rusli'd. 

He  from  his  quiver  chose  a  shaft  in  haste, 

And  fitted  to  the  cord  ;  but  as  he  drew 

The  sinew,  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  370 

HuiTd  the  huge  mass  of  rock,  which  Teucer  struck 

Near  to  the  shoulder,  where  the  collar-hone 

Joins  neck  and  breast,  the  spot  most  opportune, 

And  broke  the  tendon  ;  paralys'd,  his  arm 

Dropp'd  helpless  by  his  side  ;  upon  Ins  knees         375 

He  fell,  and  from  his  hands  let  fall  the  bow. 

Not  careless  Ajax  saw  his  brother's  fall, 

But  o'er  him  spread  in  haste  his  cov'ring  shield. 

Two  faithful  friends,  Mecisteus,  Echius'  son, 

And  brave  Alastor,  from  the  press  withdrew,     380 

And  bore  him,  deeply  groaning,  to  the  ships. 

Then  Jove  again  the  Trojan  courage  fir'd, 
And  backward  to  the  ditch  they  forc'd  the  Greeks. 
Proud  of  his  prowess,  Hector  led  them  on  ; 
A.nd  as  a  hound  that,  fleet  of  foot,  o'ertakes      385 


Book  VIII.      HOMER'S    ILIAD.  273 

Or  boar  or  lion,  object  of  liis  chase, 

Springs  from  behind,  and  fastens  on  his  flank, 

Yet  careful  watches,  lest  he  turn  to  bay  : 

So  Hector  press'd  upon  the  long-hair' d  Greeks, 

Slaying  the  hindmost ;  they  in  terror  fled.  390 

But,  pass'd  at  length  the  ditch  and  palisade, 

With  loss  of  many  by  the  Trojans  slain, 

Before  the  ships  they  rallied  from  their  flight, 

And  one  to  other  call'd  :  and  one  and  all 

With  hands  uplifted,  pray'd  to  all  the  Gods  ;  395 

While  Hector,  here  and  there,  on  ev'ry  side 

His  flying  coursers  wheel'd,  with  eyes  that  flash'd 

Awful  as  Gorgon's,  or  as  blood-stain'd  Mars. 

Juno,  the  white-arm'd  Queen,  with  pity  mov'd, 
To  Pallas  thus  her  winged  words  address'd  :       -100 
"  O  Heav'n,  brave  child  of  asgis-bearing  Jove, 
Can  we,  ev'n  now,  in  this  their  sorest  need, 
Refuse  the  Greeks  our  aid,  by  one  subdued, 
One  single  man,  of  pride  unbearable, 
Hector,  the  son  of  Priam,  who  e'en  now,  405 

Hath  caus'd  them  endless  grief?"  To  whom  again 
The  blue-ey'd  Goddess,  Pallas,  thus  replied  : 

VOL.    I.  T 


274  HOMEK'S    ILIAD.      Book  vhl 

"  I  too  would  fain  behold  him  robb'd  of  life, 

In  his  own  country  slain  by  Grecian  hands  ; 

But  that  my  sire,  by  ill  advice  misled,  410 

Rages  in  wrath,  still  thwarting  all  my  plans  ; 

Forgetting  now  how  oft  his  son  I  sav'd, 

Sore  wearied  with  the  toils  Eurystheus  gave. 

Oft  would  his  tears  ascend  to  Heav'n,  and  oft 

From  Heav'n  would  Jove  despatch  me  to  his  aid  ; 

But  if  I  then  had  known  what  now  I  know,  416 

When  to  the  narrow  gates  of  Pluto's  realm 

He  sent  him  forth  to  bring  from  Erebus 

Its  guardian  dog,  he  never  had  return'd 

In  safety  from  the  marge  of  Styx  profound.        420 

He  holds  me  now  in  hatred,  and  his  ear 

To  Thetis  lends,  who  kiss'd  his  knees,  and  touch'd 

His  beard,  and  pray'd  him  to  avenge  her  son 

Achilles  ;  yet  the  time  shall  come  when  I 

Shall  be  once  more  his  own  dear  blue-ey'd  Maid.  425 

But  haste  thee  now,  prepare  for  us  thy  car, 

While  to  the  house  of  tegis-bearing  Jove 

I  go,  and  don  my  armour  for  the  fight,"; 

To  prove  if  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm, 


Book  VIII.      HOMER'S     ILIAD.  275 

The  sou  of  Priam,  will  unmov'd  behold  i30 

Us  two  advancing  o'er  the  pass  of  war ; 
Or  if  the  flesh  of  Trojans,  slain  by  Greeks, 
Shall  sate  the  maw  of  rav'ning  dogs  and  birds." 

She  said :  the  white-arm'd  Queen  her  word  obey'd. 
Juno,  great  Goddess,  royal  Saturn's  child,  435 

The  horses  brought,  with  golden  frontlets  crown'd ; 
While  Pallas,  child  of  aegis-bearing  Jove, 
Within  her  father's  threshold  dropp'd  her  veil 
Of  airy  texture,  work  of  her  own  hands  ; 
The  cuirass  donn'd  of  cloud-compelling  Jove,         440 
And  stood  accoutred  for  the  bloody  fray. 
The  fiery  car  she  mounted ;  in  her  hand 
A  spear  she  bore,  long,  weighty,  tough ;  wherewith 
The  mighty  daughter  of  a  mighty  sire 
Sweeps  down  the  ranks  of  those  her  wrath  pursues. 
Then  Jnno  sharply  touch'd  the  flying  steeds  ;  446 

Forthwith  spontaneous  opening,  grated  harsh 
The  heavenly  portals,  guarded  by  the  Hours, 
Who  Heav'n  and  high  Olympus  have  in  charge, 
To  roll  aside  or  close  the  veil  of  cloud ;  450 

Through  these  th'  excited  horses  held  their  way. 


276  HOMER'S     ILIAD.       Book  VIII. 

From  Ida's  heights  the  son  of  Saturn  saw, 
And,  fill'd  with  wrath,  the  keav'nly  messenger, 
The  golden-winged  Iris,  thus  bespoke : 
"  Haste  thee,  swift  Iris;  turn  them  back,  and  warn 
That  farther  they  advance  not  :  'tis  not  meet        456 
That  they  and  I  in  war  should  be  oppos'd. 
This  too  I  say,  and  will  make  good  my  words  : 
Their  flying  horses  I  will  lame  ;  themselves 
Dash  from  their  car,  and  break  their  chariot-wheels  ; 
And  ten  revolving  years  heal  not  the  wound  461 

Where  strikes  my  lightning  ;  so  shall  Pallas  learn 

What  'tis  against  her  father  to  contend. 

Juno  less  moves  my  wonder  and  my  wrath  ; 

Whate'er  I  plan,  'tis  still  her  wont  to  thwart."      465 

Thus  he  :  from  Ida  to  Olympus'  height 

The  storm-swift  Iris  on  her  errand  sped. 

At  many-ridg'd  Olympus'  outer  gate 

She  met  the  Goddesses,  and  stay'd  their  course, 

And  thus  convey'd  the  sov'reign  will  of  Jove  :       470 
"  Whither  away  ?  what  madness  fills  your  breasts  ? 

To  give  the  Greeks  your  succour,  Jove  forbids  ; 

And  thus  he  threatens,  and  will  make  it  good  : 


Book  VIII.       HOMEiJ'S     ILIAD.  277 

Your  flying  horses  he  will  lame ;  yourselves 
Dash  from  the  ear,  and  break  your  chariot- wheels  ; 
And  ten  revolving  years  heal  not  the  wounds         476 
His  lightning  makes  :  so,  Pallas,  shalt  thou  learn 
What  'tis  against  thy  father  to  contend. 
Juno  less  moves  his  wonder  and  his  wrath  ; 
Whate'er  he  plans,  'tis  still  her  wont  to  thwart ;      480 
But  over-bold  and  void  of  shame  art  thou, 
If  against  Jove  thou  dare  to  lift  thy  spear." 
Thus  as  she  spoke,  swift  Iris  disappear'd. 
Then  Juno  thus  to  Pallas  spoke :  "  E"o  more, 
Daughter  of  Eegis-bearing  Jove,  can  we  485 

For  mortal  men  his  sov'reign  will  resist ; 
Live  they  or  die,  as  each  man's  fate  may  be  ; 
While  he,  'twixt  Greeks  and  Trojans,  as  'tis  meet, 
His  own  designs  accomplishing,  decides." 
She  said,  and  backward  turn'd  her  horses'  heads.  400 
The  horses  from  the  car  the  Hours  unyok'd, 
And  safely  tether'cl  in  the  heav'nly  stalls  ; 
The  car  they  rear'd  against  the  inner  wall, 
That  brightly  polish'd  shone  ;  the  Goddesses 
Themselves  meanwhile,  amid  th' Immortals  all,      405 


278  HOMER'S     ILIAD.      Book  Via 

With  sorrowing  hearts  on  golden  seats  reclin'd. 

Ere  long,  on  swiftly-rolling  chariot  borne, 
Jove  to  Olympus,  to  th'  abode  of  Gods, 
From  Ida's  height  return'd  :  th'  earth-shaking  God, 
Neptune,  unyok'd  his  steeds  ;  and  on  the  stand      500 
Secur'd  the  car,  and  spread  the  cov'ring  o'er. 
Then  on  his  golden  throne  all-seeing  Jove 
Sat  down  ;  beneath  his  feet  Olympus  shook. 
Juno  and  Pallas  only  sat  aloof; 
No  word  they  utter'd,  no  enquiry  made.  505 

Jove  knew  their  thoughts,  and  thus  address'd  them  both: 
"  Pallas  and  Juno,  wherefore  sit  ye  thus 
In  angry  silence  ?     In  the  glorious  fight 
No  lengthen'd  toil  have  ye  sustain'd,  to  slay 
The  Trojans,  whom  your  deadly  hate  pursues.        510 
Not  all  the  Gods  that  on  Olympus  dwell 
Could  turn  me  from  my  purpose,  such  my  might, 
And  such  the  pow'r  of  my  resistless  hand  ; 
But  ye  were  struck  with  terror  ere  ye  saw 
The  battle-field,  and  fearful  deeds  of  war.  515 

But  this  I  say,  and  bear  it  in  your  minds, 
Had  I  my  lightning  launch'd,  and  from  your  car 


Book  VIII.       HOMEK'S      ILIAD.  279 

Had  Imrl'd  ye  down,  ye  ne'er  had  reach'd  again 
Olympus'  height,  tli'  immortal  Gods'  abode." 

So  spoke  the  God  ;  but,  seated  side  by  side,       520 
Juno  and  Pallas  glances  interchang'd 
Of  ill  portent  for  Troy  ;  Pallas  indeed 
Sat  silent,  and,  though  inly  wroth  with  Jove, 
Yet  answer'd  not  a  word  ;  but  Juno's  breast 
Could  not  contain  her  rage,  and  thus  she  spoke  :    525 
"  What  words,  dread  son  of  Saturn,  dost  thou  speak  ? 
Well  do  we  know  thy  pow'r  invincible, 
Yet  deeply  grieve  we  for  the  warlike  Greeks, 
Condemn'd  to  hopeless  ruin :  from  the  light, 
Since  such  is  thy  command,  we  stand  aloof;  530 

But  yet  some  saving  counsel  may  we  give, 
Lest  in  thine  anger  thou  destroy  them  quite." 

To  whom  the  Cloud-compeller  thus  replied  : 
"  Yet  greater  slaughter,  stag-ey'd  Queen  of  Heav'n, 
To-morrow  shalt  thou  see,  if  so  thou  list,  535 

Wrought  on  the  warrior  Greeks  by  Saturn's  son ; 
For  Hector's  proud  career  shall  not  be  check'd 
Until  the  wrath  of  Peleus'  godlike  son 
Beside  the  ships  be  kindled,  in  the  day 


2S0  HOMER'S     ILIAD.       Book  VIII. 

When  round  Patroclus'  corpse,  in  narrow  space,    540 
E'en  by  the  vessels'  sterns,  the  war  shall  rage. 
Such  is  the  voice  of  destiny  :  for  thee, 
I  reck  not  of  thy  wrath  ;  nor  should  I  care 
Though  thou  wert  thrust  beneath  the  lowest  deep 
Of  earth  and  ocean,  where  Iapetus  545 

And  Saturn  lie,  uncheer'd  by  ray  of  sun 
Or  breath  of  air,  in  Tartarus  profound. 
Though  there  thou  wert  to  banishment  consign'd, 
I  should  not  heed,  but  thy  reproaches  hear 
Unmov'd ;  for  viler  thing  is  none  than  thou."         550 
He  said,  but  white-arm'd  Juno  answer'd  not. 

The  sun,  now  sunk  beneath  the  ocean  wave, 
Drew  o'er  the  teeming  earth  the  veil  of  night. 
The  Trojans  saw,  reluctant,  day's  decline ; 
But  on  the  Greeks  thrice  welcome,  thrice  invoked 
"With  earnest  prayers,  the  shades  of  darkness  fell.556 

The  noble  Hector  then  to  council  call'd 
The  Trojan  leaders  ;  from  the  ships  apart 
He  led  them,  by  the  eddying  river's  side, 
To  a  clear  space  of  ground,  from  corpses  free.         560 
They  from  their  cars  dismounting,  to  the  words 


Book  VIII.      HOMER'S      ILIAD.  281 

Of  godlike  Hector  listen'd :  in  his  hand 
His  massive  spear  he  held,  twelve  cubits  long, 
Whose  glitt'ring  point  flash'd  bright,  with  hoop  of  gold 
Encircled  round  ;  on  this  he  leant,  and  said,  565 

"Hear  me,  ye  Trojans,  Dardans,  and  Allies; 
I  hop'd  that  to  the  breezy  heights  of  Troy 
We  might  ere  now  in  triumph  have  return'd, 
The  Grecian  ships  and  all  the  Greeks  destroy'd  : 
But  night  hath' come  too  soon,  and  sav'd  awhile  570 
The  Grecian  army  and  their  stranded  ships. 
Then  yield  we  to  the  night ;  prepare  the  meal ; 
Unyoke  your  horses,  and  before  them  place 
Their  needful  forage  ;  from  the  city  bring 
Oxen  and  sheep  ;  the  luscious  wine  provide ;        575 
Bring  bread  from  out  our  houses  ;  and  collect 
Good  store  of  fuel,  that  the  livelong  night, 
E'en  till  the  dawn  of  day,  may  broadly  blaze 
Our  num'rous  watchfires,  and  illume  the  Heav'ns; 
Lest,  e'en  by  night,  the  long-hair'd  Greeks  should  seek 
O'er  the  broad  bosom  of  the  sea  to  fly,  581 

That  so  not  unassail'd  they  may  embark, 
Nor  undisturb'd ;  but  haply  some  may  bear, 


282  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.        Book  VIII. 

E'en  to  their  homes,  the  mem'iy  of  a  wound 

Receiv'd  from  spear  or  arrow,  as  on  board  585 

They  leap'd  in  haste  ;  and  others  too  may  fear 

To  tempt  with  hostile  arms  the  pow'r  of  Troy. 

Then  let  the  sacred  heralds'  voice  proclaim 

Throughout  the  city,  that  the  stripling  youths 

And  hoary-headed  sires  allot  themselves  590 

In  sev'ral  watches  to  the  Heav'n-built  tow'rs. 

Charge  too  the  women,  in  their  houses  each, 

To  kindle  blazing  fires ;  let  careful  watch 

Be  set,  lest,  in  the  absence  of  the  men, 

The  town  by  secret  ambush  be  surpris'd.  595 

Such,  valiant  Trojans,  is  th'  advice  I  give  ; 

And  what  to-night  your  wisdom  shall  approve 

Will  I,  at  morn,  before  the  Trojans  speak. 

Hopeful,  to  Jove  I  pray,  and  all  the  Gods, 

To  chase  from  hence  these  fate-inflicted  hounds,      600 

By  fate  sent  hither  on  their  dark-ribb'd  ships. 

Now  keep  we  through  the  night  our  watchful  guard  ; 

And  with  the  early  dawn,  equipp'd  in  arms, 

Upon  their  fleet  our  angry  battle  pour. 

Then  shall  I  know  if  Tydeus'  valiant  son  605 


Book  VIII.       UOMEE'S     ILIAD.  283 

Back  from  the  ships  shall  drive  me  to  the  walls, 

Or  I,  triumphant,  bear  his  bloody  spoils  : 

To-morrow  morn  his  courage  will  decide, 

If  he  indeed  my  onset  will  await. 

But  ere  to-morrow's  sun  be  high  in  Heav'n,  610 

He,  'mid  the  foremost,  if  I  augur  right, 

"Wounded  and  bleeding  in  the  dust  shall  lie, 

And  many  a  comrade  round  him.     "Would  to  Heav'n 

I  were  as  sure  to  be  from  age  and  death 

Exempt,  and  held  in  honour  as  a  God,  615 

Phoebus,  or  Pallas,  as  I  am  assur'd 

The  coming  day  is  fraught  with  ill  to  Greece." 

Thus  Hector  spoke  ;  the  Trojans  shouted  loud  : 
Then  from  the  yoke  the  sweating  steeds  they  loos'd, 
And  tether'd  each  beside  their  sev'ral  cars :  620 

Next  from  the  city  speedily  they  brought 
Oxen  and  sheep  ;  the  luscious  wine  procur'd ; 
Brought  bread  from  out  their  houses,  and  good  store 
Of  fuel  gather'd  ;  wafted  from  the  plain, 
The  winds  to  Heav'n  the  sav'ry  odours  bore.  625 

Full  of  proud  hopes,  upon  the  pass  of  war, 
All  night  they  camp'd  ;  and  frequent  blaz'd  their  fires. 


284  HOIEE'S     ILIAD.      Book  VII I. 

As  when  in  Heav'n,  around  the  glitt'ring  moon 
The  stars  shine  "bright  amid  the  breathless  air  ; 
And  ev'ry  crag,  and  ev'ry  jutting  peak  630 

Stands  boldly  forth,  and  ev'ry  forest  glade  ; 
Ev'n  to  the  gates  of  Heav'n  is  open'd  wide 
The  boundless  sky  ;  shines  each  particular  star 
Distinct ;  joy  fills  the  gazing  shepherd's  heart. 
So  bright,  so  thickly  scatter'd  o'er  the  plain,  635 

Before  the  walls  of  Troy,  between  the  ships 
And  Xanthus'  stream,  the  Trojan  watchfires  blaz'd. 

A  thousand  fires  burnt  brightly  ;  and  round  each 
Sat  fifty  warriors  in  the  ruddy  glare  ; 
Champing  the  provender  before  them  laid,  640 

Barley  and  rye,  the  tether'd  horses  stood 
Beside  the  cars,  and  waited  for  the  morn.  642 


ARGUMENT. 

THE     EMBASSY     TO     ACHILLES. 

Agamemnon,  after  the  last  day's  defeat,  proposes  to  the  Greeks  to 
quit  the  siege,  and  return  to  their  country.  Diomed  opposes 
this,  and  Nestor  seconds  him,  praising  his  wisdom  and  resolution. 
He  orders  the  guard  to  be  strengthened,  and  a  council  summoned 
to  deliberate  what  measures  were  to  be  followed  in  this  emer- 
gency. Agamemnon  pursues  this  advice,  and  Nestor  farther  pre- 
vails upon  him  to  send  ambassadors  to  Achilles  in  order  to  move 
him  to  a  reconciliation.  Ulysses  and  Ajax  are  make  choice  of, 
who  are  accompanied  by  old  Phoenix.  They  make,  each  of  them, 
very  moving  and  pressing  speeches,  but  are  rejected  with  rough- 
ness by  Achilles,  who  notwithstanding  retains  Phoenix  in  his 
tent.  The  ambassadors  return  unsuccessfully  to  the  camp,  and 
the  troops  betake  themselves  to  sleep. 

This  book,  and  the  next  following,  take  up  the  space  of  one  night, 
which  is  the  twenty-seventh  from  the  beginning  of  the  poem. 
The  scene  lies  on  the  sea-shore,  the  station  of  the  Grecian  ships. 


Book  IX.  HOMEK'S    ILIAD.  287 


BOOK     IX. 

rpHUS  kept  their  watch  the  Trojans ;  but  the  Greeks 

Dire  Panic  held,  companion  of  chill  Fear, 
Their  bravest  struck  with  grief  unbearable. 
As  when  two  stormy  winds  ruffle  the  sea, 
Boreas  and  Zephyr,  from  the  hills  of  Thrace  5 

"With  sudden  gust  descending  ;  the  dark  waves 
Hear  high  their  angry  crests,  and  toss  on  shore 
Masses  of  tangled  weed  ;  such  stormy  grief 
The  breast  of  ev'ry  Grecian  warrior  rent. 

Atrides,  heart-struck,  wander'd  to  and  fro,  10 

And  to  the  clear-voic'd  heralds  gave  command 
To  call,  but  not  with  proclamation  loud, 
Each  sev'ral  man  to  council ;  he  himself 
Spar'd  not  his  labour,  mixing  with  the  chiefs. 
Sadly  they  sat  in  council;  Atreus'  son,  15 

Weeping,  arose ;  as  some  dark-water'd  fount 
Pours  o'er  a  craggy  steep  its  gloomy  stream  ; 


288  HOMER'S      ILIAD.  Book  IX. 

Then  with  deep  groans  th'  assembled  Greeks  address'd: 

"  O  friends  !  the  chiefs  and  councillors  of  Greece, 

Grievous,  and  all  unlook'd  for,  is  the  blow  20 

"Which  Jove  hath  dealt  me  ;  by  his  promise  led 

I  hop'd  to  raze  the  strong-built  walls  of  Troy, 

And  home  return  in  safety  ;  but  it  seems 

He  falsifies  his  word,  and  bids  me  now 

Return  to  Argos,  frustrate  of  my  hope,  25 

Diskonour'd,  and  with  grievous  loss  of  men. 

Such  now  appears  th'  o'er-ruling  sov'reign  will 

Of  Saturn's  son,  who  oft  hath  sunk  the  heads 

Of  many  a  lofty  city  in  the  dust, 

And  yet  will  sink;  for  mighty  is  his  hand.  30 

Hear  then  my  counsel ;  let  us  all  agree 

Home  to  direct  our  course :  since  here  in  vain 

We  strive  to  take  the  well-built  walls  of  Troy." 

The  monarch  spoke  ;  they  all  in  silence  heard  : 
In  speechless  sorrow  long  they  sat :  at  length  35 

Rose  valiant  Diomed,  and  thus  he  spoke  : 
"  Atrides,  I  thy  folly  must  confront, 
As  is  my  right,  in  council :  thou,  O  King  ! 
Be  not  offended  :  once,  among  the  Greeks 


Book  IX.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  289 

Thou  lieldest  light  my  prowess,  with  the  name         40 

Of  coward  branding  me;  how  justly  so 

Is  known  to  all  the  Greeks,  both  young  and  old. 

On  thee  the  deep- designing  Saturn's  son 

In  diff'ring  measure  hath  his  gifts  bestow'd : 

A  throne  he  gives  thee,  higher  far  than  all ;  45 

But  valour,  noblest  boon  of  Heav'n,  denies. 

How  canst  thou  hope  the  sons  of  Greece  shall  prove 

Such  heartless  dastards  as  thy  words  suppose  ? 

If  homeward  to  return  thy  mind  be  fix'd, 

Depart ;  the  way  is  open,  and  the  ships,  50 

Which  from  Mycenee  follow'd  thee  in  crowds, 

Are  close  at  hand,  and  ready  to  be  launch'd. 

Yet  will  the  other  long-hair'd  Greeks  remain 

Till  Priam's  city  fall :  nay,  though  the  rest 

Betake  them  to  their  ships,  and  sail  for  home,         55 

Yet  I  and  Sthenelus,  we  two,  will  fight 

Till  Troy  be  ours  ;  for  Heav'n  is  on  our  side." 

Thus  he  ;  the  sons  of  Greece,  with  loud  applause, 
The  speech  of  valiant  Diomed  confirm'd. 

Then  aged  Nestor  rose,  and  thus  began  : .  CO 

"  Tydides,  eminent  thou  art  in  war  ; 

VOL.  T.  ° 


290  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  IX. 

And  ill  the  council  thy  compeers  in  age 

Must  yield  to  thee  ;  thy  present  words,  no  Greek 

Can  censure,  or  gainsay  ;  and  yet  the  end 

Thou  hast  not  reach'd,  and  object  of  debate.  05 

But  thou  art  young,  and  for  thine  age  mightst  be 

My  latest  born  ;  yet  dost  thou  to  the  Kings 

Sage  counsel  give,  and  well  in  season  speak. 

But  now  will  I,  that  am  thine  elder  far, 

Go  fully  through  the  whole  ;  and  none  my  words    70 

May  disregard,  not  ev'n  Atrides'  self. 

Outcast  from  kindred,  law,  and  hearth  is  he 

Whose  soul  delights  in  fierce  internal  strife. 

But  yield  we  now  to  th'  influence  of  night : 

Prepare  the  meal ;  and  let  the  sev'ral  guards  75 

Be  posted  by  the  ditch,  without  the  wall. 

This  duty  on  the  younger  men  I  lay  : 

Then,  Agamemnon,  thou  thy  part  perform  ; 

For  thou  art  King  supreme  ;  the  Elders  all, 

As  meet  and  seemly,  to  the  feast  invite  :  80 

Thy  tents  are  full  of  wine,  which  Grecian  ships 

O'er  the  wide  sea  bring  day  by  day  from  Thi  ace  ; 


BookIX.        HOMER'S     ILIAD.  291 

Nor  lack'st  tliou  aught  thy  guests  to  entertain, 

And  many  own  thy  sway  ;  when  all  are  met, 

His  counsel  take,  who  gives  the  best  advice  ;  S3 

Great  need  we  have  of  counsel  wise  and  good, 

When  close  beside  our  ships  the  hostile  fires 

Are  burning  :  who  can  this  unmov'd  behold  ? 

This  night  our  ruin  or  our  safety  sees." 

He  said  ;  and  they,  assenting,  heard  his  speech.  90 
Forth  with  their  followers  went  th'  appointed  guards, 
The  princely  Thrasymedes,  Nestor's  son, 
Ascalaphus,  and  bold  Ialmenus, 
Two  valiant  sons  of  Mars  ;  Meriones, 
And  Aphareus,  and  brave  Dei'pyrus,  95 

And  godlike  Lycomedes,  Creon's  son. 
Sev'n  were  the  leaders ;  and  with  each  went  forth 
A  hundred  gallant  youths,  with  lances  arm'd. 
Between  the  ditch  and  wall  they  took  their  post ; 
There  lit  their  fires,  and  there  the  meal  prepar'd.  100 

Then  for  th'  assembled  Elders  in  his  tent 
An  ample  banquet  Agamemnon  spread  ; 
They  on  the  viands,  set  before  them,  fell : 
The  rage  of  thirst  and  hunger  satisfied, 


292  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  Book  IX 

The  aged  Nestor  first  his  mind  disclos'cl ;  105 

He  who,  before,  the  sagest  counsel  gave, 
Now  thus  with  prudent  words  began,  and  said : 

"Most  mighty  Agamemnon,  King  of  men, 
"With  thee,  Atrides,  my  discourse  shall  end, 
With  thee  begin  :  o'er  many  nations  thou  110 

Hold'st  sov'reign  sway  ;  since  Jove  to  thee  hath  giv'n 
The  sceptre,  and  the  high  prerogative, 
To  be  thy  people's  judge  and  counsellor, 
'Tis  thine  to  speak  the  word,  'tis  thine  to  hear 
And  to  determine,  when  some  other  chief  115 

Suggestions  offers  in  the  gen'ral  cause  : 
What  counsel  shall  prevail,  depends  on  thee  : 
Yet  will  I  say  what  seems  to  me  the  best. 
Sounder  opinion  none  can  hold  than  this, 
Which  I  maintain,  and  ever  have  maiutain'd,         120 
Ev'n  from  the  day  when  thou,  great  King,  didst  bear 
The  fair  Briseis  from  Achilles'  tent 
Despite  his  anger — not  by  my  advice : 
I  fain  would  have  dissuaded  thee,  but  thou, 
Following  the  dictates  of  thy  wrathful  pride,         125 
Didst  to  our  bravest  wrong,  dishon'riiu?  him 


Book  IX.  HOMEE'S      ILIAD.  293 

Whom  ev'n  tli'  Immortals  honour'd ;  for  his  prize 
Thou  took'st  and  still  retain'st ;  but  let  us  now 
Consider,  if  ev'n  yet,  with  costly  gifts 
And  soothing  words,  we  may  his  wrath  appease."  130 

To  whom  the  monarch  Agamemnon  thus  : 
"  Father,  too  truly  thou  recall'st  my  fault : 
I  err'd,  nor  will  deny  it ;  as  a  host 
Is  he  whom  Jove  in  honour  holds,  as  now 
Achilles  hon'ring,  he  confounds  the  Greeks.  135 

But  if  I  err'd,  by  evil  impulse  led, 
Fain  would  I  now  conciliate  him,  and  pay 
An  ample  penalty  ;  before  you  all 
I  pledge  myself  rich  presents  to  bestow. 
Sev'n  tripods  will  I  give,  untouch'd  by  fire  ;  140 

Of  gold,  ten  talents,  twenty  caldrons  bright, 
Twelve  pow'rful  horses,  on  the  course  renown'd, 
Who  by  their  speed  have  many  prizes  won. 
Not  empty-handed  could  that  man  be  deem'd, 
Nor  poor  in  gold,  who  but  so  much  possess'd         145 
As  by  those  horses  has  for  me  been  won. 
Sev'n  women  too,  well  skill'd  in  household  cares, 
Lesbians,  whom  I  selected  for  myself, 


204  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  IX. 

That  day  lie  captur'd  Lesbos'  goodly  isle, 

In  beauty  far  surpassing  all  their  sex :  150 

These  will  I  give  ;  and  with  them  will  I  send 

The  fair  Briseis,  her  whom  from  his  tent 

I  bore  away ;  and  add  a  solemn  oath, 

I  ne'er  approach'd  her  bed,  nor  held  with  her 

Such  intercourse  as  man  with  woman  holds.  155 

All  these  shall  now  be  his  :  but  if  the  Gods 

Shall  grant  us  Priam's  city  to  destroy, 

Of  gold  and  brass,  when  we  divide  the  spoil, 

With  countless  heaps  he  shall  a  vessel  freight, 

And  twenty  captives  he  himself  shall  choose,         160 

All  only  less  than  Argive  Helen  fair. 

And  if  it  be  our  fate  to  see  ao-ain 

The  teeming  soil  of  Argos,  he  shall  be 

My  son  by  marriage  ;  and  in  honour  held 

As  is  Orestes,  who,  my  only  son,  165 

Is  rear'd  at  home  in  luxury  and  ease. 

Three  daughters  fair  I  have,  Chrysothemis, 

Iphianassa,  and  Laodice ; 

Of  these,  whiche'er  he  will,  to  Peleus'  house, 

No  portion  ask'd  for,  he  shall  take  to  wife ;  170 


BookIX.         HOMER'S    ILIAD.  295 

And  with  her  will  I  add  such  wedding:  gifts, 

DO  " 

As  never  man  before  to  daughter  gave. 

Sev'n  prosp'rous  towns  besides;  Cardamyle, 

And  Enope,  and  Ira's  grassy  plains ; 

And  Pherae,  and  Antheia's  pastures  deep,  175 

^Epeia  fair,  and  vine-clad  Pedasus; 

All  by  the  sea,  by  sandy  Pylos'  bounds. 

The  dwellers  there  in  flocks  and  herds  are  rich, 

And,  as  a  God,  shall  honour  him  with  gifts, 

And  to  his  sceptre  ample  tribute  pay.  180 

This  will  I  do,  so  he  his  wrath  remit : 

Then  let  him  yield  (Pluto  alone  remains 

Unbending  and  inexorable ;  and  thence 

Of  all  the  Gods  is  most  abhorr'd  of  men), 

To-  me  submitting,  as  in  royal  pow'r  185 

Superior  far,  and  more  advane'd  in  age." 

To  whom  Gerenian  Kestor  thus  replied : 
"  Most  mighty  Agamemnon,  King  of  men, 
Atrides,  not  unworthy  are  the  gifts, 
Which  to  Achilles  thou  design'st  to  send  :  190 

Then  to  the  tent  of  Peleus'  son  in  haste 
Let  us  our  chosen  messengers  despatch  : 


296  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  Book  IX. 

Whom  I  shall  choose,  let  them  consent  to  go. 

Then  first  of  all  let  Phoenix  lead  the  way, 

Belov'd  of  Jove  ;  the  mighty  Ajax  next :  195 

With  them,  Ulysses  sage;  and  let  them  take, 

Of  heralds,  llodius  and  Eurybates. 

Bring  now  the  hallowing  water  for  our  hands  ; 

And  bid  be  silent,  while  to  Saturn's  son, 

That  he  have  mercy,  we  address  our  pray'r."  200 

He  said,  and  well  his  counsel  pleas'd  them  all ; 
The  heralds  pour'd  the  water  on  their  hands ; 
The  youths,  attending,  crown'd  the  bowls  with  wine, 
And  in  due  order  serv'd  the  cups  to  all. 
Then,  their  libations  made,  when  each  with  wine  205 
Had  satisfied  his  soul,  from  out  the  tent 
Of  Agamemnon,  Atreus'  son,  they  pass'd; 
And  many  a  caution  aged  Nestor  gave, 
With  rapid  glance  to  each,  Ulysses  chief. 
How  best  to  soften  Peleus'  matchless  son.  210 

Beside  the  many-dashing  ocean's  shore 
They  mov'd  along  ;  and  many  a  pray'r  address'd 
To  Neptune,  Ocean's  Earth-surrounding  God, 
That  he  to  gentle  counsels  would  incline 


Book  IX.         HOMER'S    ILIAD.  297 

The  haughty  soul  of  great  iEacides.  215 

When  to  the  ships  and  tents  they  came,  where  lay 
The  warlike  Myrmidons,  their  chief  they  found 
His  spirit  soothing  with  a  sweet-ton'd  lyre, 
Of  curious  work,  with  silver  band  adorn'd  ; 
Part  of  the  spoil  he  took,  when  he  destroy'd  220 

Eetion's  wealthy  town  ;  on  this  he  play'd, 
Soothing  his  soul,  and  sang  of  warriors'  deeds. 
Before  the  chief,  in  silence  and  alone 
Patroclus  sat,  upon  Achilles  fix'd 
His  eyes,  awaiting  till  the  song  should  cease.  225 

The  envoys  forward  stepp'd,  Ulysses  first, 
And  stood  before  him  ;  from  his  couch,  amaz'd, 
And  holding  still  his  lyre,  Achilles  sprang, 
Leaving  the  seat  whereon  they  found  him  plac'd  ; 
And  at  their  entrance  rose  Patroclus  too  :  230 

Waving  his  hand,  Achilles,  swift  of  foot, 
Address'dthem:  ""Welcome,  friends!  as  friends  ye  come: 
Some  great  occasion  surely  to  my  tent 
Hath  brought  the  men  who  are,  of  all  the  Greeks, 
Despite  my  anger,  dearest  to  my  heart."  235 

Thus  as  he  spoke,  he  led  them  in,  and  plac'd 


298  HOMER'S    ILIAD.         Book  IX. 

On  couches  spread  with  purple  carpets  o'er, 

Then  thus  adclress'd  Patroclus  at  his  side  : 

"  Son  of  Mencetius,  set  upon  the  hoard 

A  larger  bowl,  and  stronger  mix  the  wine,  210 

And  serve  a  cup  to  each :  beneath  my  roof 

This  night  my  dearest  friends  I  entertain." 

He  said  ;  Patroclus  his  commands  obey'd  ; 

And  in  the  fire-light  plac'd  an  ample  tray, 

And  on  it  laid  of  goat's  flesh  and  of  sheep's  2-15 

A  saddle  each  ;  and  with  them,  rich  in  fat, 

A  chine  of  well-fed  hog  ;  Automedon 

Held  fast,  while  great  Achilles  carv'd  the  joints. 

The  meat,  prepar'd,  he  fix'd  upon  the  spits  : 

Patroclus  kindled  then  a  blazing  fire  ;  250 

And  when  the  fire  burnt  hotly,  and  the  flame 

Subsided,  spread  the  glowing  embers  out, 

And  hung  the  spits  above  ;  then  sprinkled  o'er 

The  meat  with  salt,  and  lifted  from  the  stand. 

The  viands  cook'd  and  plac'd  upon  the  board,         255 

From  baskets  fair  Patroclus  portion'd  out 

The  bread  to  each  ;  the  meat  Achilles  shar'd. 

Facing  the  sage  Ulysses,  sat  the  host 


BookIX.         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  299 

On  th'  other  side  the  tent ;  and  bade  his  friend, 

Patroclus,  give  the  Gods  their  honours  due  :      260 

He  in  the  tire  the  wonted  off 'rings  burnt : 

They  on  the  viands  set  before  them  fell. 

The  rage  of  thirst  and  hunger  satisfied, 

Ajax  to  Phoenix  sign'd  :  Ulysses  saw 

The  sign,  and  rising,  fill'd  a  cup  with  wine,  2G5 

And  pledg'd  Achilles  thus  :  "  To  thee  I  drink, 

Achilles  !  nobly  is  thy  table  spread, 

As  heretofore  in  Agamemnon's  tent, 

So  now  in  thine  ;  abundant  is  the  feast : 

But  not  the  pleasures  of  the  banquet  now  270 

We  have  in  hand  :  impending  o'er  our  arms 

Grave  cause  of  fear,  illustrious  chief,  we  see ; 

Grave  doubts,  to  save,  or  see  destroy'd  our  ships, 

If  thou,  great  warrior,  put  not  forth  thy  might. 

For  close  beside  the  ships  and  wall  are  camp'd       275 

The  haughty  Trojans  and  renown' d  allies  : 

Their  watch-fires  frequent  burn  throughout  the  camp; 

And  loud  their  boast  that  nought  shall  stav  their  hands, 

Until  our  dark-ribb'd  ships  be  made  their  prey. 

Jove  too  for  them,  with  fav'ring  augury  2S0 


300  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  IX 

Sends  forth  his  lightning  ;  boastful  of  his  strength, 

And  firmly  trusting  in  the  aid  of  Jove, 

Hector,  resistless,  rages  ;  nought  he  fears 

Or  God  or  man,  with  martial  fury  fir'd. 

He  prays,  impatient,  for  th'  approach  of  morn ;      235 

Then,  breaking  through  the  lofty  sterns,  resolv'd 

To  the  devouring  flames  to  give  the  ships, 

And  slay  the  crews,  bewilder'd  in  the  smoke. 

And  much  my  mind  misgives  me,  lest  the  Gods 

His  threats  fulfil,  and  we  be  fated  here  290 

To  perish,  far  from  Argos'  grassy  plains. 

Up  then  !  if  in  their  last  extremity 

Thy  spirit  inclines,  though  late,  to  save  the  Greeks 

Sore  press'd  by  Trojan  arms  :  lest  thou  thyself 

Hereafter  feel  remorse  ;  the  evil  done  295 

Is  past  all  cure  ;  then  thou  reflect  betimes 

How  from  the  Greeks  to  ward  the  day  of  doom. 

Dear  friend,  remember  now  thy  father's  words, 

The  aged  Peleus,  when  to  Atreus'  son 

He  sent  thee  forth  from  Phthia,  how  he  said,  300 

'  My  son,  the  boon  of  strength,  if  so  they  will, 

Juno  or  Pallas  have  the  pow'r  to  give ; 


Book  IX.         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  301 

But  thou  thyself  thy  haughty  spirit  must  curb, 

For  better  far  is  gentle  courtesy  : 

And  cease  from  angry  strife,  that  so  the  Greeks    305 

The  more  may  honour  thee,  both  young  and  old.' 

Such  were  the  words  thine  aged  father  spoke, 

"Which  thou  hast  now  forgotten  ;  yet,  e'en  now, 

Pause  for  awhile,  and  let  thine  anger  cool ; 

And  noble  gifts,  so  thou  thy  wrath  remit,  310 

From  Agamemnon  shalt  thou  bear  away. 

Listen  to  me,  while  I  recount  the  gifts 

Which  in  his  tent  he  pledg'd  him  to  bestow. 

Sevn  tripods  promis'd  he,  untouch'd  by  fire, 

Of  gold,  ten  talents,  twenty  caldrons  bright,       315 

Twelve  pow'rful  horses,  in  the  course  renown'd, 

Who  by  their  speed  have  many  prizes  won. 

Not  empty-handed  could  that  man  be  deem'd, 

Nor  poor  in  gold,  who  but  so  much  possess'd 

As  by  those  horses  has  for  him  been  won.  320 

Sev'n  women  too,  well  skill'd  in  household  cares, 

Lesbians,  whom  he  selected  for  himself, 

That  day  thou  captnr'dst  Lesbos'  goodly  isle, 

In  beauty  far  surpassing  all  their  sex. 


302  HOMER'S    ILIAD.        BookIX 

These  will  lie  give ;  and  with  them  will  he  send     325 

The  fair  Briseis,  her  whom  from  thy  tent 

He  bore  away ;  and  add  a  solemn  oath, 

He  ne'er  approach'd  her  bed,  nor  held  with  her 

Snch  intercourse  as  man  with  woman  holds. 

All  these  shall  now  be  thine  :  bnt  if  the  Gods        330 

Shall  grant  ns  Priam's  city  to  destroy, 

Of  gold  and  brass,  when  we  divide  the  spoil, 

With  countless  heaps  a  vessel  shalt  thou  freight, 

And  twenty  captives  thou  thyself  shalt  choose, 

All  only  less  than  Argive  Helen  fair.  335 

And  if  it  be  our  fate  to  see  again 

The  teeming  soil  of  Argos,  thou  mayst  be 

His  son  by  marriage,  and  in  honour  held 

As  is  Orestes,  who,  his  only  son, 

Is  rear'd  at  home  in  luxury  and  ease.  340 

Three  daughters  fair  are  his,  Chrysothemis, 

Iphianassa,  and  Laodice  ; 

Of  these  whiche'er  thou  wilt,  to  Peleus'  house, 

No  portion  ask'd  for,  thou  shalt  take  to  wife ; 

And  with  her  will  he  add  such  wedding  gifts,  345 

As  never  man  before  to  daughter  gave. 


Book  IX.  HOIEE'S      ILIAD.  303 

Sev'n  prosp'rous  towns  besides  ;  Cardamyle, 

And  Enope,  and  Ira's  grassy  plains, 

And  Pkeme,  and  Antheia's  pastures  deep, 

./Epeia  fair,  and  vine-clad  Pedasus  ;  350 

All  by  the  sea,  by  sandy  Pylos'  bounds. 

The  dwellers  there  in  flocks  and  herds  are  rich, 

And,  as  a  God,  will  honour  thee  with  gifts, 

And  to  thy  sceptre  ample  tribute  pay. 

All  these  he  gives,  so  thon  thy  wrath  remit.        355 

But  if  thou  hold  Atrides  in  such  hate, 

Him  and  his  gifts,  yet  let  thy  pity  rest 

On  all  the  other  Greeks,  thus  sore  bested ; 

By  whom  thou  shalt  be  honour'd  as  a  God  : 

For  great  the   triumph  that  thou  now  mayst  gain ; 

E'en  Hector's  self  is  now  within  thy  reach  ;  301 

For  he  is  near  at  hand ;  and  in  his  pride 

And  martial  fury  deems  that  none,  of  all 

Our  ships  contain,  can  rival  him  in  arms." 

"Whom  answer'd  thus  Achilles,  swift  of  foot :    365 
"  Heav'n-born  Ulysses,  sage  in  council,  son 
Of  great  Laertes,  I  must  frankly  speak 
My  mind  at  once,  my  fix'd  resolve  declare  : 


304  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  IX. 

Tliat  from  henceforth  I  may  not  by  the  Greeks, 

By  this  man  and  by  that, be  importun'd.  370 

Him  as  the  gates  of  hell  my  soul  abhors, 

Whose  outward  words  his  secret  thoughts  belie. 

Hear  then  what  seems  to  me  the  wisest  course. 

On  me-  nor  Agamemnon,  Atreus'  son, 

Nor  others  shall  prevail,  since  nought  is  gain'd       375 

By  toil  unceasing  in  the  battle  field. 

Who  nobly  fight,  but  share  with  those  who  skulk ; 

Like  honours  gain  the  coward  and  the  brave  ; 

Alike  the  idlers  and  the  active  die  : 

And  nought  it  profits  me,  though  day  by  day         380 

In  constant  toil  I  set  my  life  at  stake ; 

But  as  a  bird,  though  ill  she  fare  herself, 

Brings  to  her  callow  brood  the  food  she  takes, 

So  I  through  many  a  sleepless  night  have  lain, 

And  many  a  bloody  day  have  labour'd  through,     3S5 

Engag'd  in  battle  on  your  wives'  behalf. 

Twelve  cities  have  I  taken  with  my  ships  ; 

Eleven  more  by  land,  on  Trojan  soil : 

From  all  of  these  abundant  stores  of  wealth 

I  took,  and  all  to  Agamemnon  gave  ;  390 


Book  IX.        HOMER'S      ILIAD.  305 

He,  safe  beside  his  ships,  my  spoils  receiv'd, 

A  few  divided,  hut  the  most  retain'd. 

To  other  chiefs  and  Kings  he  meted  out 

Their  sev'ral  portions,  and  they  hold  them  still ; 

From  me,  from  me  alone  of  all  the  Greeks,      395 

He  bore  away,  and  keeps  my  cherish'd  wife ; 

Well !  let  him  keep  her,  solace  of  his  bed ! 

But  say  then,  why  do  Greeks  with  Trojans  fight  ? 

Why  hath  Atrides  brought  this  mighty  host 

To  Troy,  if  not  in  fair-hair'd  Helen's  cause  ?       100 

Of  mortals  are  there  none  that  love  their  wives, 

Save  Atreus'  sons  alone  ?   or  do  not  all, 

"Who  boast  the  praise  of  sense  and  virtue,  love 

And  cherish  each  his  own  ?  as  her  I  lov'd  404 

E'en  from  my  soul,  though  captive  of  my  spear. 

ISTow,  since  he  once  hath  robb'd  me,  and  deceiv'd, 

Let  him  not  seek  my  aid  ;  I  know  him  now, 

And  am  not  to  be  won ;  let  him  devise, 

With  thee,  Ulysses,  and  the  other  Kings, 

How  best  from  hostile  fires  to  save  his  ships.  410 

He  hath  completed  many  mighty  works 

Without  my  aid ;  hath  built  a  lofty  wall, 

VOL.   i.  v 


306  HOMER'S     ILIAD.         Book  IX. 

And  dug  a  trench  around  it,  wide  and  deep, 

And  in  the  trench'  hath  fix'd  a  palisade  ; 

Nor  so  the  warrior-slayer  Hector's  might  415 

Can  keep  in  check ;  while  I  was  in  the  field, 

Not  far  without  the  walls  would  Hector  range 

His  line  of  battle,  nor  beyond  the  Oak 

And  Scsean  gates  would  venture  ;  there  indeed 

He  once  presum'd  to  meet  me,  hand  to  hand,    420 

And  from  my  onset  narrowly  escap'd. 

But  as  with  Hector  now  no  more  I  fight, 

To-morrow  morn,  my  off  'rings  made  to  Jove, 

And  all  the  Gods,  and  freighted  well  my  ships, 

And  launch'd  upon  the  main,  thyself  shall  see,       425 

If  that  thou  care  to  see,  my  vessels  spread 

O'er  the  broad  bosom  of  the  Hellespont, 

My  lusty  crews  plying  the  vig'rous  oar  ; 

And  if  th'  Earth-shaker  send  a  fav'ring  breeze, 

Three  days  will  bear  us  home  to  Phthia's  shore.     430 

There  did  I  leave  abundant  store  of  wealth, 

When  hitherward  I  took  my  luckless  way  ; 

Thither  from  hence  I  bear,  of  ruddy  gold, 

And  brass,  and  women  fair,  and  iron  hoar 


Book  IX.         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  307 

The  share  assign'd  me  ;  but  my  chiefest  prize         435 

The  monarch  Agamemnon,  Atreus'  son, 

Himself  who  gave,  with  insult  takes  away. 

To  him  then  speak  aloud  the  words  I  send, 

That  all  may  know  his  crimes,  if  yet  he  hope 

Some  other  Greek  by  treach'rous  wiles  to  cheat,    440 

Cloth'd  as  he  is  in  shamelessness  !  my  glance, 

All  brazen  as  he  is,  he  dare  not  meet. 

I  share  no  more  his  counsels,  nor  his  acts  ; 

He  hath  deceiv'd  me  once,  and  wrong'd  ;  again 

He  shall  not  cozen  me !     Of  him,  enough !  445 

I  pass  him  by,  whom  Jove  hath  robb'd  of  sense. 

His  gifts  I  loathe,  and  spurn  ;  himself  I  hold 

At  a  hair's  worth  ;  and  would  he  proffer  me 

Tenfold  or  twentyfold  of  all  he  has, 

Or  ever  may  be  his  ;  or  all  the  gold  450 

Sent  to  Orchomenos  or  royal  Thebes, 

Egyptian,  treasurehouse  of  countless  wealth, 

Who  boasts  her  hundred  gates,  through  each  of  which 

With  horse  and  car  two  hundred  warriors  march : 

Nay,  were  his  gifts  in  number  as  the  sand,  455 

Or  dust  upon  the  plain,  yet  ne'er  will  I 


308  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.         Book  IX 

By  Agamemnon  be  prevail'd  upon, 

Till  I  have  paid  him  back  my  heart's  offence. 

Nor  e'er  of  Agamemnon,  Atrens'  son, 

Will  I  a  daughter  wed;  not  were  she  fair  460 

As  golden  Yenus,  and  in  works  renown'd 

As  Pallas,  blue-ey'd  Maid,  yet  her  e'en  so 

I  wed  not ;  let  him  choose  some  other  Greek, 

Some  fitting  match,  of  nobler  blood  than  mine. 

But  should  the  Gods  in  safety  bring  me  home,       405 

At  Peleus'  hands  I  may  receive  a  wife  ; 

And  Greece  can  boast  of  many  a  lovely  maid, 

In  Hellas  or  in  Phthia,  daughters  fair 

Of  chiefs  who  hold  their  native  fortresses : 

Of  these,  at  will,  a  wife  I  may  select :  470 

And  ofttimes  hath  my  warlike  soul  inclin'd 

To  take  a  wedded  wife,  a  fitting  bride, 

And  aged  Peleus'  wealth  in  peace  enjoy. 

For  not  the  stores  which  Troy,  they  say,  contain'd 

In  peaceful  times,  ere  came  the  sons  of  Greece,     475 

Nor  all  the  treasures  which  Apollo's  shrine, 

The  Archer-God,  in  rock-built  Pythos  holds, 

May  weigh  with  life  ;  of  oxen  and  of  sheep 


Book  IX.        HOMER'S      ILIAD.  309 

Successful  forays  may  good  store  provide  ; 

And  tripods  may  be  gain'd,  and  noble  steeds  :      4S0 

But  when  tlie  breatli  of  man  liatli  pass'd  his  lips, 

!Nor  strength  nor  foray  can  the  loss  repair. 

I  by  my  Goddess-mother  have  been  warn'd, 

The  silver-footed  Thetis,  that  o'er  me 

A  double  chance  of  destiny  impends  :  485 

If  here  remaining,  round  the  walls  of  Troy 

I  wage  the  war,  I  ne'er  shall  see  my  home, 

But  then  undying  glory  shall  be  mine  : 

If  I  return,  and  see  my  native  land, 

My  glory  all  is  gone  ;  but  length  of  life  490 

Shall  then  be  mine,  and  death  be  long  deferr'd. 

If  others  ask'd  my  counsel,  I  should  say, 

'  Homeward  direct  your  course  ;  of  lofty  Troy 

Ye  see  not  yet  the  end ;  all-seeing  Jove 

O'er  her  extends  his  hand  ;  on  him  relying  495 

Her  people  all  with  confidence  are  fill'd.' 

Go  then  ;  my  answer  to  the  chiefs  of  Greece 

Speak  boldly — such  the  privilege  of  age — 

Bid  that  some  better  counsel  they  devise 

To  save  their  ships  and  men ;  their  present  scheme, 


310  HOMER'S      ILIAD.  Book  IX. 

My  anger  unappeas'd,  avails  them  nought.  501 

But  Phoenix  here  shall  stay,  and  sleep  to-night ; 

And  with  the  morrow  he  with  me  shall  sail 

And  seek  our  native  land,  if  so  he  will : 

For  not  by  force  will  I  remove  him  hence."  505 

He  said ;  they  all,  confounded  by  his  words, 
In  silence  heard  ;  so  sternly  did  he  speak. 
At  length,  in  tears,  the  aged  Phoenix  spoke, 
For  greatly  fear'd  he  for  the  ships  of  Greece  : 
"  If,  great  Achilles,  on  returning  home  510 

Thy  mind  is  set,  nor  canst  thou  be  induc'd 
To  save  the  ships  from  fire,  so  fierce  thy  wrath ; 
How  then,  dear  boy,  can  I  remain  behind, 
Alone  ?  whom  with  thee  aged  Peleus  sent, 
That  day  when  he  in  Agamemnon's  cause  515 

From  Phthia  sent  thee,  inexperienc'd  yet 
In  all  the  duties  of  confed'rate  war, 
And  sage  debate,  on  which  attends  renown. 
Me  then  he  sent, instructor  of  thy  youth, 
To  prompt  thy  language,  and  thine  acts  to  guide.  520 
So  not  from  thee,  dear  boy,  can  I  consent 
To  part,  though  Heav'n  should  undertake  my  age 


Book  IX.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  311 

To  wipe  away,  and  vig'rous  youth,  restore, 

Such  as  I  boasted,  when  from  Greece  I  fled 

Before  my  angry  sire,  Amyntor,  son  525 

Of  Ormenus ;  a  fair-hair'd  concubine 

Cause  of  the  quarrel ;  her  my  father  lov'd, 

And  by  her  love  estrang'd,  despis'd  his  wife, 

My  mother  ;  oft  she  pray'd  me  to  seduce, 

To  vex  th'  old  man,  my  father's  concubine  ;  530 

I  yielded  ;  he,  suspecting,  on  my  head 

A  curse  invok'd,  and  on  the  Furies  call'd 

His  curse  to  witness,  that  upon  his  knees 

No  child,  by  me  begotten,  e'er  should  sit  : 

His  curse  the  Gods  have  heard,  and  ratified,  535 

Th'  infernal  King,  and  awful  Proserpine. 

Then  would  I  fain  have  slain  him  with  the  sword, 

Had  not  some  God  my  rising  fury  quell'd, 

And  set  before  my  mind  the  public  voice, 

The  odium  I  should  have  to  bear  'mid  Greeks,        540 

If  branded  with  the  name  of  parricide. 

But  longer  in  my  angry  father's  house 

To  dwell,  my  spirit  brook'd  not,  though  my  friends 

And  kinsmen  all  besought  me  to  remain  ; 


312  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  IX 

And  many  a  goodly  sheep,  and  many  a  steer  545 

They  slew,  and  many  swine,  with  fat  o'erlaid, 

They  sing'd,  and  roasted  o'er  the  burning  coals  ; 

And  drank  in  many  a  cup  the  old  man's  wine. 

.N  ine  nights  they  kept  me  in  continual  watch, 

By  turns  relieving  guards.     The  fires  meanwhile  550 

Burnt  constant :  one  beneath  the  porch  that  fac'd 

The  well-fenc'd  court ;  one  in  the  vestibule 

Before  my  chamber  door.     The  tenth  dark  night 

My  chamber's  closely-fitting  doors  I  broke, 

And  lightly  vaulted  o'er  the  court-yard  fence,        555 

By  guards  alike  and  servant  maids  unmark'd. 

Through  all  the  breadth  of  Hellas  then  I  fled, 

Until  at  length  to  Phthia's  fruitful  soil, 

Mother  of  flocks,  to  Peleus'  realm  I  came, 

Who  kindlv  welcom'd  me,  and  with  such  love        560 

As  to  his  only  son,  his  well-belov'd, 

A  father  shows,  his  gen'rous  gifts  bestow'd. 

He  gave  me  wealth,  he  gave  me  ample  rule  ; 

And  on  the  bounds  of  Phthia  bade  me  dwell, 

And  o'er  the  Dolopes  hold  sov'reign  sway.  565 

Thee  too,  Achilles,  rival  of  the  Gods, 


UookIX.        HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  313 

Such  as  thou  art  I  made  thee  ;  from  my  soul 

I  lov'd  thee  ;  nor  wouldst  thou  with  others  go 

Or  to  the  meal,  or  in  the  house  be  fed, 

Till  on  my  knee  thou  satt'st,  and  by  my  hand        570 

Thy  food  were  cut,  the  cup  were  tender'd  thee  ; 

And  often,  in  thy  childish  helplessness, 

The  bosom  of  my  dress  with  wine  was  drench'd ; 

Such  care  I  had  of  thee,  such  pains  I  took, 

Rememb'ring  that  by  HeavVs  decree,  no  son        575 

Of  mine  I  e'er  might  see  ;  then  thee  I  made, 

Achilles,  rival  of  the  Gods,  my  son, 

That  thou  mightst  be  the  guardian  of  mine  age. 

But  thou,  Achilles,  curb  thy  noble  rage ; 

A  heart  implacable  beseems  thee  not.  580 

The  Gods  themselves,  in  virtue,  honour,  strength, 

Excelling  thee,  may  yet  be  mollified ; 

For  they,  when  mortals  have   transgress'd,  or  fail'd 

To  do  aright,  by  sacrifice  and  pray'r, 

Libations  and  burnt -off'rings,  may  be  sooth'd.    585 

Pray'rs  are  the  daughters  of  immortal  Jove  ; 

But  halt,  and  wrinkled,  and  of  feeble  sight, 

They  plod  in  Ate's  track  ;  while  Ate,  strong 


ZU  HOMER'S     ILIAD.         Book  IK 

And  swift  of  foot,  outstrips  their  laggard  pace, 

And,  dealing  woe  to  man,  o'er  all  the  earth         590 

Before  them  flies  :  they,  following,  heal  her  wounds. 

Him  who  with  honour  welcomes  their  approach, 

They  greatly  aid,  and  hear  him  when  he  prays ; 

But  who  rejects,  and  sternly  casts  them  off, 

To  Saturn's  son  they  go,  and  make  their  pray'r     595 

That  Ate  follow  him  and  claim  her  dues. 

Then  to  the  daughters  of  immortal  Jove, 

Do  thou,  Achilles,  show  the  like  respect, 

That  many  another  brave  man's  heart  hath  sway'd.    • 

If  to  thy  tent  no  gifts  Atrides  brought,  600 

With  promises  of  more,  but  still  retain'd 

His  vehement  enmity,  I  could  not  ask 

That  thou  thy  cherish'd  anger  shouldst  discard, 

And  aid  the  Greeks,  how  great  so-e'er  their  need. 

But  now  large  off  'rings  hath  he  giv'n,  and  more    605 

Hath  promis'd  ;  and,  of  all  the  Greeks,  hath  sent 

To  pray  thine  aid,  the  men  thou  lov'st  the  best. 

Discredit  not  their  mission,  nor  their  words. 

Till  now,  I  grant  thee,  none  could  blame  thy  wrath. 

In  praise  of  men  in  ancient  days  renown'd,  610 


Book  IX.         HOMEE'S    ILIAD.  315 

This  have  we  heard,  that  how-so-e'er  might  rage 

Their  hostile  feuds,  their  anger  might  be  still 

By  gifts  averted,  and  by  words  appeas'd. 

One  case  I  bear  in  mind,  in  times  long  past, 

And  not  in  later  days  ;  and  here,  'mid  friends,       615 

How  all  occurr'd,  will  I  at  length  recite. 

Time  was,  that  with  JEtolia's  warlike  bands 

Round  Calydon  the  Acarnanians  fought 

With  mutual  slaughter ;  these  to  save  the  town, 

The  Acarnanians  burning  to  destroy.  020 

This  curse  of  war  the  golden-throned  Queen 

Diana  sent,  in  anger  that  from  her 

(Eneus  the  first-fruits  of  his  field  withheld. 

The  other  Gods  their  hecatombs  receiv'd  ; 

Diana's  shrine  alone  no  off 'rings  deek'd,  625 

Neglected,  or  o'erlook'd  ;  the  sin  was  great ; 

And  in  her  wrath  the  arrow-darting  Queen 

A  savage  wild-boar  sent,  with  gleaming  tusks, 

"Which  (Eneus'  vineyard  haunting,  wrought  him  harm. 

There  laid  he  prostrate  many  a  stately  tree,  630 

With  root  and  branch,  with  blossom  and  with  fruit. 

Him  Meleager,  son  of  (Eneus,  slew, 


816  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.         Book  IX 

"With  youths  and  clogs  from  all  the  neighbouring  towns 

Collected  ;  smaller  force  had  not  avail'd, 

So  huge  he  was,  so  fierce ;  and  many  a  youth     635 

Had  by  his  tusks  been  laid  upon  the  bier. 

A  fierce  contention  then  the  Goddess  rais'd, 

For  the  boar's  head  and  bristly  hide,  between 

The  Acarnanian  and  th'  iEtolian  bands. 

While  warlike  Meleager  kept  the  field,  640 

So  long  the  Acarnanians  far'd  but  ill ; 

Nor  dar'd,  despite  the  numbers  of  their  host, 

Maintain  their  ground  before  the  city  walls. 

"When  he  to  anger  yielded,  which  sometimes 

Swells  in  the  bosom  e'en  of  wisest  men,  645 

Incens'd  against  his  mother,  he  withdrew 

To  Cleopatra  fair,  his  wedded  wife  ; 

(Marpessa  her,  Evenus'  daughter,  bore 

To  Idas,  strongest  man  of  all  who  then 

Were  living,  who  against  Apollo's  self  650 

For  the  neat-footed  maiden  bent  his  bow. 

Her  parents  call'd  the  child  Alcyone, 

In  mem'ry  of  the  tears  her  mother  shed, 

Rival  of  Alcyon's  melancholy  fate, 


Book  IX.         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  317 

When  by  far-darting  Plioebus  forc'd  away).  655 

With  her,  retiring  from  the  field,  he  nurs'd 

His  wrath  ;  resenting  thus  his  mother's  curse, 

Althasa ;  she  her  brother's  death  bore  hard, 

And  pray'd  to  Heav'n  above,  and  with  her  hands 

Beating  the  solid  earth,  the  nether  pow'rs,  660 

Pluto  and  awful  Proserpine,  implor'd, 

Down  on  her  knees,  her  bosom  wet  with  tears, 

Death  on  her  son  invoking  ;  from  the  depths 

Of  Erebus  Erinnys  heard  her  pray'r, 

Gloom-haunting  Goddess,  dark  and  stern  of  heart.  665 

Soon  round  the  gates  the  din  of  battle  rose, 

The  tow'rs  by  storm  assaulted  ;  then  his  aid 

Th'  ^Etonian  Elders  and  the  sacred  priests 

With  promises  of  great  reward  implor'd. 

A  fruitful  plot  they  bade  him  set  apart,  670 

The  richest  land  in  lovely  Calydon, 

Of  fifty  acres  :  half  for  vineyard  meet, 

And  half  of  fertile  plain,  for  tillage  clear'd. 

Upon  the  threshold  of  his  lofty  rooms 

Old  CEneus  stood,  and  at  the  portals  clos'd  675 

He  knock'd  in  vain,  a  suppliant  to  his  son. 


318  HOMER'S     ILIAD.         Book  IX. 

His  sisters  and  his  brother  join'd  their  pray'rs, 

But  sterner  his  rejection  of  their  suit ; 

The  friends  he  valued  most,  and  lov'd  the  best, 

Yet  they  too  fail'd  his  fix'd  resolve  to  shake ;  680 

Till  to  his  very  doors  the  war  had  reach'd, 

The  foe  upon  the  tow'rs,  the  town  in  flames  : 

Then  Meleager's  beauteous  wife,  at  length, 

In  tears,  beseeching  him,  the  thousand  ills 

Recall'd,  which  on  a  captur'd  town  attend ;  685 

The  slaughter'd  men,  the  city  burnt  with  fire, 

The  helpless  children  and  deep-bosom'd  dames 

A  prey  to  strangers.     List'ning  to  the  tale, 

His  spirit  was  rous'd  within  him  ;  and  again 

He  took  the  field,  and  donn'd  his  glitt'ring  arms. 

Thus  did  his  act  from  doom  th'  JEtolians  save        691 

Spontaneous  ;  yet  he  gain'd  not,  though  he  savVl, 

The  rich  reward  they  once  were  pledg'd  to  give. 

But  be  not  thou  like  him,  nor  let  thy  God 

Turn  thitherward  thy  thoughts  ;  our  ships  on  fire,695 

Thine  aid  will  less  be  priz'd  ;  come,  take  the  gifts, 

And  as  a  God  be  honour'd  by  the  Greeks. 

If  thou  hereafter,  unsolicited, 


BookIX.         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  319 

The  battle  join,  the  Greeks  thou  mayst  protect, 

But  not  an  equal  share  of  honour  gain."  700 

Whom  answer'd  thus  Achilles,  swift  of  foot : 
"  Phoenix,  my  second  father,  rev'rend  sire, 
Such  honours  move  me  not ;  my  honour  comes 
From  Jove,  whose  will  it  is  that  I  should  here 
Remain  beside  the  ships,  while  I  retain  705 

Breath  in  my  lungs  and  vigour  in  my  limbs. 
This  too  I  say,  and  bear  it  in  thy  mind  : 
Disturb  me  not  with  weeping  and  complaints, 
To  do  Atrides  grace  ;  if  him  thou  love, 
My  love  for  thee  perchance  may  turn  to  hate :  710 
My  friend  should  honour  him  who  honours  me. 
But  come  with  me,  and  of  my  kingdom  half, 
And  equal  honours  shalt  thou  share  with  me. 
These  shall  our  message  bear  ;  stay  thou  the  while, 
And  on  soft  couch  repose  ;  to-morrow  morn  71 

Will  we  determine  or  to  sail  or  stay." 

He  said,  and  with  his  eyebrows  gave  a  sign 
In  silence  to  Patroclus,  to  prepare 
A  bed  for  Phoenix,  that  without  delay 
The  rest  might  leave  the  tent ;  then  thus  began 


r. 


320  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.         Book  IX. 

Ajax,  the  godlike  sou  of  Telamon  :  721 

"  Ulysses  sage,  Laertes'  high-born  son, 

Depart  we  now  ;  for  this  way  our  discourse 

Can  lead  to  no  result ;  behoves  us  bear 

Our  tidings,  all  unwelcome  as  they  are,  725 

Back  to  the  chiefs  awaiting  our  return. 

Achilles  hath  allow'd  his  noble  heart 

To  cherish  rancour  and  malignant  hate  ; 

Nor  recks  he  of  his  old  companions'  love, 

Wherewith  we  honour'd  him  above  the  rest.  730 

Eelentless  he  !  a  son's  or  brother's  death, 

By  payment  of  a  fine,  may  be  aton'd ; 

The  slayer  may  remain  in  peace  at  home, 

The  debt  discharged ;  the  other  will  forego, 

The  forfeiture  receiv'd,  his  just  revenge  ;  735 

But  thou  maintain'st  a  stern,  obdurate  mood. 

And  for  a  single  girl !  we  offer  sev'n, 

Surpassing  fair,  and  other  gifts  to  boot. 

We  now  bespeak  thy  courtesy  ;  respect 

Thy  hearth  ;  remember  that  beneath  thy  roof         740 

Wc  stand,  deputed  by  the  gen'ral  voice 

Of  all  the  host ;  and  fain  would  claim  to  be, 


Book  IX.        HOMER'S      ILIAD.  321 

Of  all  the  Greeks,  thy  best  and  dearest  friends." 

"Whom  answer'd  thus  Achilles,  swift  of  foot : 

"  Illustrious  Ajax,  son  of  Telamon,  745 

Without  offence  hast  thou  thy  message  giv'n  ; 

But  fury  fills  my  soul,  whene'er  I  think 

How  Agamemnon,  'mid  th'  assembled  Greeks, 

Insulting,  held  me  forth  to  public  scorn, 

As  some  dishonour'd,  houseless  vagabond.  750 

But  go  ye  now,  and  bear  my  answer  back  : 

Ko  more  in  bloody  war  will  I  engage, 

Till  noble  Hector,  Priam's  godlike  son, 

O'er  slaughter'd  Greeks,  your  ships  enwrapp'd  in  fire, 

Shall  reach  the  quarters  of  the  Myrmidons.  755 

Ere  he  assail  my  ship  and  tents,  I  think 

That  Hector,  valiant  as  he  is,  will  pause." 

Thus  he  :  they  each  the  double  goblet  rais'd, 

And,  to  the  Gods  their  due  libations  pour'd, 

Ulysses  leading,  to  the  ships  return'd.  760 

Meanwhile  Patroclus  bade  th'  attendant  maids 

Prepare  a  bed  for  Phoenix ;  they  obey'd, 

And  quickly  laid  the  bed  with  fleeces  warm, 

And  rugs,  and  linen  light  and  fine  o'erspread. 

vol.  i.  w 


322  HOMER'S     ILIAD.         Book  IX. 

There  slept  th'  old  man,  and  waited  for  the  morn.  765 

"Within  the  tent's  recess  Achilles  slept ; 

And  by  his  side,  from  Lesbos  captive  brought, 

Daughter  of  Phorbas,  Diomede  fair  ; 

On  th'  other  side  Patroclus  lay  ;  with  him 

The  graceful  Iphis,  whom,  when  Scyros'  isle  770 

He  captur'd,  and  Enyes'  rock-built  fort, 

Achilles  to  his  lov'd  companion  gave. 

"When  to  Atrides'  tent  the  envoys  came, 
The  chiefs,  uprising,  pledg'd  them  one  by  one 
In  golden  goblets  ;  then  their  tidings  ask'd.  775 

First  Agamemnon,  King  of  men,  enquir'd  : 
"  Tell  me,  renown'd  Ulysses,  pride  of  Greece, 
"What  says  he  :  will  he  save  our  ships  from  fire, 
Or  still,  in  wrathful  mood,  withhold  his  aid  ?" 

To  whom  again  Ulysses,  stout  of  heart :  780 

"  Most  mighty  Agamemnon,  King  of  men, 
His  anger  is  not  quench'd,  but  fiercer  still 
It  glows  ;  thy  gifts  and  thee  alike  he  spurns  ; 
He  bids  thee  with  the  other  chiefs  concert 
The  means  thy  people  and  thy  ships  to  save ;         785 
And  menaces  himself  at  early  dawn 


BookIX.         HOMER'S    ILIAD.  323 

To  launch  his  well-trimm'd  vessels  on  the  main. 

Kay  more,  he  counsels  others,  so  he  says, 

Homeward  to  turn,  since  here  of  lofty  Troy 

"We  see  not  yet  the  end ;  all-seeing  Jove  790 

O'er  her  extends  his  hand  ;  on  him  relying, 

Her  people  all  with  confidence  are  fill'd. 

Such  was  his  language  ;  here  before  you  stand 

Ajax  and  both  the  heralds,  sage,  grave  men, 

Who  with  me  went,  and  will  confirm  my  words.  795 

Old  Phomix  left  we  there,  so  will'd  the  chief, 

That  with  the  morrow  he  with  him  may  sail, 

And  seek  their  native  land,  if  so  he  will ; 

For  not  by  force  will  he  remove  him  hence." 

Ulysses  thus  ;  they  all  in  silence  heard,  800 

Amaz'd,  so  stern  the  message  that  he  bore. 
Long  time  in  silence  sat  the  chiefs  of  Greece. 
Outspoke  at  length  the  valiant  Diomed  : 
"  Most  mighty  Agamemnon,  King  of  men, 
Would  that  thou  ne'er  hadst  stoop'd  with  costly  gifts 
To  sue  for  aid  from  Peleus'  matchless  son  ;  806 

For  he  before  was  over-proud,  and  now 
Thine  offers  will  have  tenfold  swoll'n  his  pride. 


324  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.         Book  IX. 

But  leave  we  him,  according  to  his  will. 
To  go  or  stay  :  he  then  will  join  the  fight,  810 

"When  his  own  spirit  shall  prompt,  or  Heav'n  inspire. 
But  hear  ye  all,  and  do  as  I  advise  : 
Refresh'd  with  food  and  wine  (for  therein  lie 
Both  strength  and  courage),  turn  we  to  our  rest ; 
And  when  the  rosy-finger'd  morn  appears,  815 

Thyself  among  the  foremost,  with  bold  hearts, 
Before  our  ships  both  horse  and  foot  array." 

He  said ;  and  all  the  chiefs  with  loud  applause 
His  speech  confirm'd  ;  then,  due  libations  pour'd, 
Each  to  his  sev'ral  tent  they  all  withdrew ;  820 

Then  laid  them  down,  and  sought  the  boon  of  sleep.  821 


ARGUMENT. 

THE  NIGHT  AD VENTURE  OP  DIOMED  AND   ULYSSES. 

Upon  the  refusal  of  Achilles  to  return  to  the  army,  the  distress  of 
Agamemnon  is  described  in  the  most  lively  manner.  He  takes 
no  rest  that  night,  but  passes  through  the  camp,  awaking  the 
leaders,  and  contriving  all  possible  methods  for  the  public  safety. 
Meneliius,  Nestor,  Ulysses,  and  Diomed,  are  employed  in  raising 
the  rest  of  the  captains.  They  call  a  council  of  war,  and  deter- 
mine to  send  scouts  into  the  enemy's  camp,  to  learn  their  pos- 
ture, and  discover  their  intentions.  Diomed  undertakes  the 
hazardous  enterprise,  and  makes  choice  of  Ulysses  for  his  com- 
panion. In  their  passage  they  surprise  Dolon,  whom  Hector  had 
sent  on  a  like  design  to  the  camp  of  the  Grecians.  From  him 
they  are  informed  of  the  situation  of  the  Trojans  and  auxiliary 
forces,  and  particularly  of  Rhesus,  and  the  Thracians,  who  were 
lately  arrived.  They  pass  on  with  success;  kill  Rhesus  with 
several  of  his  officers,  and  seize  the  famous  horses  of  that  prince, 
with  which  they  return  in  triumph  to  the  camp. 

The  same  night  continues  ;  the  scene  lies  in  the  two  camps. 


BookX.  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  327 


BOOK     X. 

K  night-long  slumbers  lay  the  other  chiefs 
Of  all  the  Greeks,  by  gentle  sleep  subdued  ; 
But  not  on  Agamemnon,  Atreus'  son, 
By  various  cares  oppress'd,  sweet  slumber  fell. 
As  when  from  Jove,  the  fair-hair'd  Juno's  Lord,        5 
Flashes  the  lightning,  bringing  in  its  train 
Tempestuous  storm  of  mingled  rain  and  hail 
Or  snow,  by  winter  sprinkled  o'er  the  fields  ; 
Or  op'ning  wide  the  rav'nous  jaws  of  war  ; 
So  Agamemnon  from  his  inmost  heart  10 

Pour'd  forth  in  groans  his  multitudinous  grief, 
His  spirit  within  him  sinking.     On  the  plain 
He  look'd,  and  there,  alarm'd,  the  watchfires  saw, 
Which,  far  advanc'd  before  the  walls  of  Troy, 
Blaz'd  numberless  ;  and  thence  of  pipes  and  flutes  15 
He  heard  the  sound,  and  busy  hum  of  men. 
Upon  the  ships  he  look'd,  and  men  of  Greece, 


328  HOMEE'S      ILIAD.  Book  X. 

And  by  the  roots  his  hair  in  handfuls  tore 

To  Jove  on  high  ;  deep  groan'd  his  mighty  heart. 

Thus  as  he  nius'd,  the  wisest  course  appear'd,  20 

"With  JSTestor,  son  of  ISTeleus,  to  confer, 

If  they  some  scheme  in  council  might  devise 

To  ward  destruction  from  the  Grecian  host. 

He  rose,  and  o'er  his  body  drew  his  vest, 

And  underneath  his  well-turn' d  feet  he  bound  25 

His  sandals  fair  ;  then  o'er  his  shoulders  threw, 

Down  reaching  to  his  feet,  a  lion's  skin, 

Tawny  and  vast ;  then  grasp'd  his  pond'rous  spear. 

On  Meneliius  weigh'd  an  equal  dread  ; 
3STor  on  his  eyes  that  night  had  slumber  sat,  30 

Lest  ill  befall  the  Greeks ;  who,  in  his  cause, 
Crossing  the  wat'ry  waste,  had  come  to  Troy, 
And  bold  defiance  to  the  Trojans  giv'n. 
Round  his  broad  chest  a  panther's  skin  he  threw  ; 
Then  on  his  head  his  brazen  helmet  plac'd,  35 

And  in  his  brawny  hand  a  lance  he  bore. 
To  meet  his  brother  went  he  forth,  of  Greece 
The  mighty  monarch,  as  a  God  rever'd. 
Him  by  the  ship  he  found,  in  act  to  arm  ; 


BookX.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  329 

And  -welcome  was  his  presence  to  the  King.  40 

Then  valiant  Meneliius  first  began  : 
"Why  thus  in  arms,  good  brother?  seek'st  thou  one 
The  Trojan  camp  to  spy  ?  I  greatly  fear 
That  none  will  undertake  the  task,  alone 
To  spy  the  movements  of  the  hostile  camp  45 

In  the  dark  night ;  stout-hearted  he  must  be." 

To  whom  the  monarch  Agamemnon  thus  : 
"  Great  need,  my  noble  brother,  have  we  both 
Of  sagest  counsels,  if  we  hope  the  Greeks 
And  Grecian  ships  from  ruin  to  preserve,  50 

Since  turn'd  against  us  is  the  mind  of  Jove. 
To  Hector's  off 'rings  most  his  soul  inclines ; 
For  never  have  I  seen,  or  heard  men  tell, 
How  in  one  day  one  man  has  wrought  such  loss 
As  Hector,  dear  to  Jove,  yet  not  the  son  55 

Of  God  or  Goddess,  on  the  Greeks  has  wrought. 
Such  deeds  hath  he  achiev'd,  such  havoc  made, 
As  we  shall  long  in  bitter  mem'ry  keep. 
Haste  thou  amid  the  ships,  and  hither  bring 
Idomeneus  and  Ajax;  I  the  while  6C 

Will  Nestor  rouse,  and  urge  that  he  with  us 


330  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  Book  X. 

The  outposts  visit,  and  instruct  the  guard. 

To  him  they  best  will  listen;  for  his  son 

Commands  the  watch ;  with  him  Meriones, 

The  follower  of  the  King  Idomeneus  :  65 

To  them  by  pref'rence  hath  this  charge  been  giv'n." 

He  said  :  and  Menelaus  answer'd  thus : 
"  What  wouldst  thou  have  me  do  then  ?  here  remain 
"With  them,  and  wait  thy  coming,  or  to  them 
Thy  message  give,  and  follow  in  thy  steps  ? "  70 

Him  answer'd  Agamemnon,  King  of  men  : 
"  Remain  thou  here,  lest  haply  we  might  fail 
To  meet ;  for  in  the  camp  are  many  paths. 
But  thou,  where'er  thou  go'st,  each  sev'ral  man 
Address,  and  ask  to  rise  ;  to  each  his  name  75 

And  patronymic  giving ;  pay  to  each 
All  due  respect ;  nor  bear  thee  haughtily ; 
We  like  the  rest  must  share  the  load  of  toil,    « 
Which  Jove  assigns  to  all  of  mortal  birth." 

His  brother  thus  with  counsels  wise  dismiss'd,      80 
The  King  to  aged  Nestor  took  his  way  : 
Him  by  his  tent  and  dark-ribb'd  ship  he  found 
On  a  soft  couch ;  beside  him  lay  his  arms, 


BookX.  HOMEK'S    ILIAD.  331 

His  shield,  two  lances,  and  a  glitt'ring  helm  : 

There  lay  the  rich- wrought  belt  the  old  man  wore,  85 

When  to  the  battle,  arm'd,  he  led  his  troops  ; 

For  nought  to  age's  weakness  would  he  yield. 

Raising  his  head,  and  oU  his  elbow  propp'd, 

He  question'd  thus  Atrides  :  "  Who  art  thou, 

That  wand'rest  through  th'  encampment  thus  alone,  90 

In  the  dark  night,  when  other  mortals  sleep  ? 

Seek'st  thou  some  mule  broke  loose,  or  comrade  lost  ? 

Speak,  nor  in  silence  come  ;  what  wouldst  thou  here  ?" 

To  whom  thus  Agamemnon,  King  of  men  : 
"  O  Nestor  !  son  of  Keleus,  pride  of  Greece,  95 

Know  me  for  Agamemnon,  Atreus'  son, 
On  whom  hath  Jove,  beyond  the  lot  of  men, 
Laid  grief  that  ne'er  shall  end,  while  I  retain 
Breath  in  my  lungs,  and  vigour  in  my  limbs. 
I  wander  thus,  because  these  eyes  of  mine  100 

Sweet  slumber  visits  not,  by  cares  of  war 
Oppress'd,  and  harass'd  by  the  woes  of  Greece. 
Much  for  the  Greeks  I  fear ;  nor  keeps  my  mind 
Its  wonted  firmness  ;  I  am  ill  at  ease  ; 
And  leaps  my  troubled  heart  as  tho'  'twould  burst  105 


332  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  X 

My  bosom's  bounds  ;  my  limbs  beneath  me  shake. 

But  if  thou  wilt,  since  thou  too  know'st  not  sleep, 

Together  to  the  outposts  let  us  go, 

And  see  if  there,  by  toil  and  sleep  o'erpow'r'd, 

The  guard  repose,  neglectful  of  their  watch.  110 

The  foe  is  close  at  hand  ;  nor  are  we  sure 

Ho  may  not  hazard  e'en  a  night  attack." 

To  whom  Gerenian  Nestor  thus  replied  ; 
"  Most  mighty  Agamemnon,  King  of  men, 
Not  all  the  hopes  that  Hector  entertains  115 

Shall  by  the  Lord  of  counsel  be  fulfill'd  ; 
For  him  are  toil  and  danger  yet  in  store, 
If  but  Achilles  of  his  wrath  repent. 
Gladly  will  I  attend  thee ;  others  too, 
Tydides,  spearman  bold,  Ulysses  sage,  120 

Ajax  the  swift,  and  Phyleus'  noble  son, 
Should  all  be  summon'd  ;  and  'twere  well  that  one 
Across  the  camp  should  run,  to  call  in  haste 
The  godlike  Ajax,  and  Idomeneus  ; 
Theirs  are  the  farthest  ships,  nor  near  at  hand.      125 
But,  dear  to  me  as  Menelaus  is, 
And  highly  honour'd,  I  must  blame,  that  thus 


bookX.  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  333 

(Though  thou  shouldst  take  offence,  I  needs  must  say) 
He  sleeps,  and  leaves  the  toil  to  thee  alone. 
With  all  the  chiefs  he  should  be  busied  now,  130 

Imploring  aid,  in  this  our  utmost  need." 

To  whom  thus  Agamemnon,  King  of  men : 
"  For  other  times,  old  man,  reserve  thy  blame ; 
Sometimes,  I  own,  he  lags  behind,  nor  takes 
His  share  of  labour ;  not  from  indolence,  135 

Or  want  of  sense ;  but  still  regarding  me  ; 
Waiting  from  me  an  impulse  to  receive. 
But  now,  before  me  he  was  up,  and  came 
To  visit  me  ;  and  I  have  sent  him  on 
To  call  those  very  men  whom  thou  hast  nam'd.  140 
Come  then ;  for  we,  beside  the  gates,  and  guard 
Shall  find  them  ;  there  my  orders  were  to  meet." 

To  whom  Gerenian  ISTestor  thus  replied  ; 
"  Then  none  can  blame  him  ;  nor  can  any  Greek 
Justly  refuse  his  summons  to  obey."  145 

He  said,  and  round  his  body  wrapped  his  vest ; 
Then  on  his  feet  his  sandals  fair  he  bound, 
And  o'er  his  shoulders  clasp'd  a  purple  cloak, 
Doubled,  with  ample  folds,  and  downy  pile  ; 


331  HOMER'S    ILIAD.         Book  X. 

Then  took  his  spear,  with  point  of  sharpen'd  brass,  150 
And  through  the  camp  prepar'd  to  take  his  way. 
Gerenian  Nestor  from  his  slumbers  first 
Ulysses,  sage  as  Jove  in  council,  rous'd, 
Loud  shouting ;  soon  the  voice  his  senses  reach'd  ; 
Forth  from  his  tent  he  came,  and  thus  he  spoke  :  155 
"  What  cause  so  urgent  leads  you,  through  the  camp, 
In  the  dark  night  to  wander  thus  alone  ?" 

To  whom  Gerenian  Nestor  thus  replied  : 
"  Ulysses  sage,  Laertes'  godlike  son, 
Be  not  offended ;    such  the  stress  that  now  160 

Weighs  down  our  army  ;  come  thou  then  with  us, 
And  others  let  us  call ;  with  whom  'tis  meet 
That  we  should  counsel  take,  to  fight  or  fly." 

He  said  ;  Ulysses  to  the  tent  return'd  ; 
Then,  his  broad  shield  across  his  shoulders  thrown,  165 
Came  forth  again,  and  with  them  took  his  way. 
To  Diomed,  the  son  of  Tydeus,  next 
They  went ;  and  him  they  found  beside  his  arms, 
Without  his  tent ;  his  comrades  slept  around, 
Their  heads  upon  their  bucklers  laid  ;  their  spears 
Stood  upright,  on  the  butts  ;  the  burnish'd  brass   171 


BookX.         HOMER'S    ILIAD.  335 

Like  Heav'n's  own  lightning,  flashing  far  around. 
Streteh'd  on  a  wild  bull's  hide  the  chief  repos'd, 
A  gay-wrought  carpet  roll'd  beneath  his  head. 
Gerenian  Nestor  close  behind  him  stood,  175 

And  touched  him  with  his  foot,  and  thus  in  tone 
Reproachful  spoke  :  "  Arouse  thee,  Tydeus'  son  ! 
Why  sleep'st  thou  thus  all  night  ?  or  know'st  thou  not 
That  on  the  very  margin  of  the  plain, 
And  close  beside  the  ships  the  Trojans  lie,  180 

And  little  space  between  the  camps  is  left  ?" 

Quick  rous'd  from  sleep,  thus  answer'd  Diomed  : 
"  Beshrew  thy  heart,  old  man  !  no  labour  seems 
For  thee  too  hard ;  are  there  not  younger  men 
To  run  about  the  camp,  and  summon  all  185 

The  sev'ral  chiefs  ?  thou  dost  too  much,  old  man." 

To  whom  Gerenian  Nestor  thus  replied  : 
"  True,  friend,  and  full  of  wisdom  are  thy  words  ; 
Good  sons  indeed  I  have,  and  followers  brave 
And  many,  who  might  well  my  message  bear  ;       190 
But  great  is  now  the  stress  that  lies  on  Greece  ; 
For  on  a  razor's  edge  is  balanc'd  now, 
To  all  the  Greeks,  the  chance  of  life  or  death. 


336  HOMEK'S      ILIAD.  Book  X 

Do  tliou  then  go  (for  thou  my  younger  art), 

And  if  thou  pity  me,  thyself  arouse  195 

Ajax  the  swift,  and  Phyleus'  noble  son." 

lie  said  ;  the  warrior  round  his  shoulders  threw, 

Down  reaching  to  his  feet,  a  lion's  hide, 

Tawny  and  dark  ;  and  took  his  pond'rous  spear. 

He  went,  arous'd,  and  with  him  brought  the  chiefs.  200 

"When  to  the  guard  they  came,  not  sunk  in  sleep 
Found  they  the  leaders  ;  but  on  wakeful  watch 
Intent,  and  all  alert  beside  their  arms. 
As  round  a  sheepfold  keep  their  anxious  watch 
The  dogs,  who  in  the  neighbouring  thicket  hear    205 
Some  beast,  that,  bold  in  search  of  prey,  has  come 
Down  from  the  mountain ;  loud  the  clamours  rise 
Of  men  and  dogs ;  all  sleep  is  banish'd  thence  ; 
So  from  their  eyes  was  banish'd  sleep,  who  watch'd 
Through  that  disastrous  night ;  still  plainward  turning 
At  ev'ry  movement  in  the  Trojan  camp.  211 

The  old  man  saw,  well-pleas'd ;  and  thus  address'd 
"With  cheering  words  the  captains  of  the  guard : 
"  "Watch  ever  thus,  good  youths;  nor  be  surpris'd 
By  slumber,  lest  the  foe  a  triumph  gain."  215 


BookX.  HOMEli'S     ILIAD.  337 

This  said,  lie  cross'd  the  ditch,  and  with  him  went 
The  Grecian  leaders,  to  the  council  call'd : 
With  them,  admitted  to  the  conf 'rence,  went 
Meriones,  and  Nestor's  noble  son. 
The  deep-dug  ditch  they  cross'd,  and  sat  them  down 
Upon  an  open  space,  from  corpses  clear  ;  221 

Where  Hector  from  the  slaughter  of  the  Greeks 
Turn'd  back,  when  Ev'ning  spread  her  veil  around  : 
There  sat  they  down,  and  there  the  conf 'rence  held. 
Gerenian  Nestor  first  took  up  the  word  :  225 

"  O  friends  !  is  any  here  with  heart  so  bold 
Who  dares,  self-confident,  the  Trojan  camp 
To  enter  ?  there  some  straggler  he  might  take, 
Or  in  the  camp  itself  some  tidings  gain, 
What  are  their  secret  counsels  ;  if  they  mean       230 
Here  by  the  ships  to  hold  their  ground,  or  back, 
Sated  with  vict'ry,  to  the  town  retire. 
This  could  he  learn,  and  hither  scatheless  bring 
His  tidings,  high  as  Heav'n  in  all  men's  mouths 
Would  be  his  praise,  and  ample  his  reward.  235 

For  ev'ry  captain  of  a  ship  should  give 
A.  coal-black  ewe,  and  at  her  foot  a  lamb, 

VOL.   I.  X 


338  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  Book  X. 

A  prize  beyond  compare  ;  and  high  should  be 
His  place  at  banquets  and  at  solemn  feasts." 

He  said  ;  but  all  the  chiefs  in  silence  heard  ;       240 
Then  rose  the  valiant  Diomed,  and  said  : 
"  Nestor,  that  heart  is  mine  ;  I  dare  alone 
Enter  the  hostile  camp,  so  close  at  hand  ; 
Yet  were  one  comrade  giv'n  me,  I  should  go 
"With  more  of  comfort,  more  of  confidence.  245 

"Where  two  combine,  one  before  other  sees 
The  better  course  ;  and  ev'n  though  one  alone 
The  readiest  way  discover,  yet  would  be 
His  judgment  slower,  his  decision  less." 

He  said,  and  many  chiefs  to  Diomed  250 

Proffer'd  companionship  ;  stood  forth  at  once, 
"With  him  to  penetrate  the  Trojan  camp, 
The  two  Ajaces,  ministers  of  Mars  ; 
Stood  forth  Meriones,  and  eagerly 
Stood  forth  the  son  of  ISTestor;  Atreus'  son,  255 

The  royal  Menelaus,  spearman  bold, 
And  stout  Ulysses,  whose  enduring  heart 
For  ev'ry  deed  of  valour  was  prepar'd. 
Hose  Agamemnon,  King  of  men,  and  said  : 


BookX.         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  339 

"  Tydides,  comrade  dearest  to  my  soul,  260 

Choose  thou  thine  own  companion,  whom  thou  wilt ; 

Of  all  the  many  here  that  proffer  aid 

Him  whom  thou  deem'st  the  best ;  nor  from  respect 

To  persons  leave  the  better  man  behind, 

And  take  the  worse ;  nor  def  'rence  show  to  rank,  265 

Not  though  the  purest  royal  blood  were  his." 

In  fear  for  Menelaus  thus  he  spoke  : 
Then  answer'd  valiant  Diomed,  and  said  ; 
'■  If  my  companion  I  may  freely  choose, 
How  can  I  pass  the  sage  Ulysses  by  ?  270 

Of  ready  wit,  and  dauntless  courage,  prov'd 
In  ev'ry  danger  ;  and  to  Pallas  dear. 
I  should  not  fear,  by  him  accompanied, 
To  pass  through  fire,  and  safely  both  return  ; 
So  far  in  prudence  he  surpasses  all."  275 

"Whom  answer'd  thus  Ulysses,  stout  of  heart : 
"  Tydides,  nor  exaggerated  praise 
Restow  on  me,  nor  censure ;  for  thou  speak'st 
To  those  who  know  me  all  for  what  I  am. 
But  go  we  ;  night  wanes  fast,  the  morn  is  near :     280 
The  stars  are  high  in  Heav'n  ;  and  of  the  night 


340  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  X 

Two  thirds  are  spent,  one  third  alone  remains." 

He  said ;  and  both  prepar'd  to  don  their  arms. 
The  youthful  warrior  Thrasymedes  gave 
\/    To  Diomed  a  two-edg'd  sword  (his  own  285 

Had  in  the  ship  been  left)  and  ample  shield ; 
Then  on  his  brows  a  leathern  headpiece  plac'd, 
Without  or  peak  or  plume  ;  a  simple  casque, 
Such  as  is  worn  by  youths  to  guard  their  head. 
A  bow,  and  well-fill'd  quiver,  and  a  sword,  290 

Meriones  to  sage  Ulysses  gave  ; 
And  on  his  brows  a  leathern  headpiece  plac'd, 
Well  wrought  within,  with  num'rous  straps  secur'd, 
And  on  th'  outside,  with  wild  boars'  gleaming  tusks 
Profusely  garnish'd,  scatter'd  here  and  there  295 

By  skilful  hand  ;  the  midst  with  felt  was  lin'd  ; 
This  from  Amyntor,  son  of  Ormenus, 
Autolycus  from  Eleon  bore  away, 
Spoil  of  his  pillag'd  house ;  Autolycus 
Gave  to  Amphidamas,  Cytheran  chief,  300 

Who  in  Scandea  dwelt ;  Amphidamas 
To  Molus,  pledge  of  friendship  ;  he  again 
Gave  to  his  son,  Meriones,  from  whom 


BookX.         HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  341 

It  now  encircled  sage  Ulysses'  brow. 

Thus  with  accoutrements  and  arms  supplied,  305 

They  left  their  brother  chiefs,  and  took  their  way. 

Then  close  beside  their  path,  by  Pallas  sent, 

Rose,  on  the  right,  a  heron  ;  through  the  gloom 

They  saw  it  not  indeed,  but  heard  the  cry. 

The  fav'ring  sign  with  joy  Ulysses  hail'd,  310 

And  thus  to  Pallas  pray'd  :  "  Hear  me,  thou  child 

Of  aegis-bearing  Jove,  who  still  hast  stood 

In  ev'ry  peril  at  my  side,  whose  eye 

My  ev'ry  movement  sees  ;  now,  Goddess,  now 

Befriend  me  ;  grant  that  safe,  with  triumph  crown'd, 

We  may  return,  some  great  exploit  achiev'd,  316 

Such  as  the  Trojans  long  may  bear  in  mind." 

Him  following,  thus  the  brave  Tydides  pray'd : 
"  My  voice  too,  child  of  Jove,  undaunted,  hear  ; 
And  be  with  me,  as  with  my  father  erst,  320 

The  godlike  Tydeus,  when  to  Thebes  he  went, 
An  envoy,  in  advance  ;  and  left  behind, 
Upon  Asopus'  banks  the  mail-clad  Greeks. 
Smooth  Avas  the  message  which  to  Thebes  he  bore  ; 
But  great,  his  mission  ended,  were  the  deeds         325 


342  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  X. 

That  with  thine  aid  he  wrought ;  for,  Goddess,  thou 

Wast  with  him,  and  thine  arm  was  his  defence  : 

So  be  thou  now  with  me,  and  me  defend. 

Then  on  thine  altar  will  I  sacrifice 

A  yearling  heifer,  broad  of  brow,  untam'd,  330 

Whereon  no  yoke  hath  mortal  ever  laid : 

Her  will  I  give,  and  tip  her  horns  with  gold." 

Thus  as  they  pray'd,  their  pray'r  the  Goddess  heard ; 
Then,  their  devotions  ended,  on  they  far'cl 
Through  the  deep  dead  of  night,  like  lions  twain,  335 
'Mid  slaughter,  corpses,  arms,  and  blacken'd  gore. 

~Nor,  in  the  Trojan  camp,  did  Hector  leave 
The  chiefs  to  rest ;  but  all  to  conf 'rence  call'd, 
The  leaders  and  the  councillors  of  Troy  ; 
To  whom  his  prudent  speech  he  thus  acldress'd :  340 
"  Who  is  there  here,  that  for  a  rich  reward 
A  noble  work  will  undertake  ?     A  car 
And  two  strong-collar'd  horses,  best  of  all 
That  can  be  found  within  the  Grecian  lines, 
Shall  he  receive,  who,  to  his  endless  praise,        345 
Shall  dare  approach  the  ships ;  and  learn  if  still 
They  keep  their  wonted  watch,  or,  by  our  arms 


BookX.  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  343 

Subdued  and  vanquish'd,  meditate  retreat, 

And,  worn  with  toil,  the  nightly  watch  neglect." 

Thus  Hector  spoke ;  but  all  in  silence  heard.      350 

There  was  one  Dolon  in  the  Trojan  camp. 
The  herald's  son,  Eumedes ;  rich  in  gold 
And  brass ;  not  fair  of  face,  but  swift  of  foot  ; 
Amid  five  sisters  he  the  only  son ; 
Who  thus  to  Hector  and  the  Trojans  spoke  :      355 

"  Hector,  with  dauntless  courage  I  will  dare 
Approach  the  ships,  and  bring  thee  tidings  sure  ; 
But  hold  thou  forth  thy  royal  staff,  and  swear 
That  I  the  horses  and  the  brass-bound  car 
Shall  have,  the  boast  of  Peleus'  matchless  son  :  360 
Not  vain  shall  be  my  errand,  nor  deceive 
Thy  hopes  ;  right  through  the  camp  I  mean  to  pass 
To  Agamemnon's  tent,  where  all  the  chiefs 
Debate  in  council,  or  to  fight  or  fly." 

He  said ;  and  Hector  took  his  royal  staff",  3G5 

And  swore  to  him  :  "  Be  witness  Jove  himself, 
The  Lord  of  thunder,  that  no  Trojan  man, 
Thyself  except,  shall  e'er  those  horses  drive ; 
For  thee  they  are  reserv'd,  a  glorious  prize." 


3U  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  Book  X, 

Thus  Hector  swore  ;  though  unfulnll'd  the  oath, 
The  hope  to  Dolon  fresh  assurance  gave.  371 

Forthwith,  his  bow  across  his  shoulders  slung, 
A  grisly  wolf-skin  o'er  it,  on  his  head 
A  cap  of  marten's  fur,  and  in  his  hand 
A  jav'lin,  from  the  camp  he  took  his  way,  375 

Straight  to  the  Grecian  ships  ;  but  never  thence 
Destin'd  to  bring  th'  expected  tidings  back. 
The  crowd  of  men  and  horses  left  behind, 
Briskly  he  mov'd  along  ;   Ulysses  first 
Mark'd  his  approach,  and  to  Tydides  said :  380 

"  See,  from  the  camp  where  some  one  this  way  comes, 
With  what  intent  I  know  not ;  if  to  play 
The  spy  about  the  ships,  or  rob  the  dead. 
Turn  we  aside,  and  let  him  pass  us  by 
A  little  way  ;  we  then  with  sudden  rush  385 

May  seize  him  ;  or  if  he  outstrip  us  both 
By  speed  of  foot,  may  urge  him  tow'rd  the  ships, 
Driving  liim  still  before  us  with  our  spears, 
And  from  the  city  cutting  off  his  flight." 
Thus  saying,  'mid  the  dead, beside  the  road  390 

They  crouch'd  ;  he,  all  unconscious,  hasten'd  by. 


Book  X.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  345 

But  when  such  space  was  interpos'd  as  leave 

Between  the  sluggish  oxen  and  themselves* 

A  team  of  mules  (so  much  the  faster  they 

Through  the  stiff  fallow  drag  the  jointed  plough),  395 

They  rush'd  upon  him  ;  at  the  sound  he  stopp'd, 

Deeming  that  from  the  Trojan  camp  they  came, 

By  Hector  sent,  to  order  his  return. 

Within  a  spear's  length  when  they  came,  or  less, 

For  foes  he  knew  them,  and  to  flight  address'd       400 

His  active  limbs  ;  they  rush'd  in  hot  pursuit. 

And  as  two  hounds,  well  practis'd  in  the  chase, 

With  srlist'nino-  fana;s,  unfla^srinGr,  strain  to  catch, 

Iii  woodland  glade,  some  pricket  deer,  or  hare, 

That  flies  before  them, screaming;  so  those  two,       405 

Tydides  and  Ulysses,  stout  of  heart, 

"With  fiery  zeal,  unflagging,  strain'd  to  catch 

The  flying  Dolon,  from  the  camp  cut  off; 

But  when  the  fugitive  approach'd  the  ships, 

Close  by  the  guard,  fresh  vigour  Pallas  gave  410 


*  This  comparison  does  not  afford  a  very  accurate  criterion  of  the 
"  space  interposed ;"  which  cannot  be  estimated  without  knowing  the 
total  distance  within  which  the  faster  was  to  outstrip  the  slower  team. 


346  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  X 

To  Diomed,  lest  haply  from  the  walls 
Some  other  might  anticipate  his  blow, 
And  he  himself  but  second  honours  gain. 
Tydides  then  with  threat'ning  gesture  cried, 
"  Stop,  or  I  hurl  my  spear;  and  small  thy  chance,  415 
If  I  assail  thee,  of  escape  from  death." 
He  said,  and  threw  his  spear  ;  but  by  design 
It  struck  him  not ;  above  his  shoulder  ilew 
The  polish'd  lance,  and  quiver'd  in  the  ground. 
Sudden  he  stopp'd,  with  panic  paralys'd  :  420 

His  teeth  all  chatt'ring,  pale  with  fear  he  stood, 
With  falt'ring  accents  ;  panting,  they  came  up 
And  seiz'd  him  in  their  grasp  ;  he  thus,  in  tears  : 
"  Spare  but  my  life ;  my  life  I  can  redeem  ; 
For  ample  stores  I  have  of  gold,  and  brass,  425 

And  well- wrought  iron  ;  and  of  these  my  sire 
Would  pay  a  gen'rous  ransom,  could  he  learn 
That  in  the  Grecian  ships  I  yet  surviv'd." 
To  whom  Ulysses,  deep-designing,  thus  : 
"  Be  of  good  cheer;  nor  let  the  fear  of  death         430 
Disturb  thy  mind  ;  but  tell  me  truly  this  ; 
How  is  't  that  tow'rcl  the  ships  thou  com'st  alone, 


BookX.  HOMEK'S    ILIAD.  347 

In  the  still  night,  when  other  mortals  sleep  ? 
Com'st  thou  perchance  for  plunder  of  the  dead  ? 
Or  seek'st  upon  our  ships  to  play  the  spy,  435 

By  Hector  sent  ?  or  of  thine  own  accord  ?" 

Then  Dolon  thus — his  knees  with  terror  shook — 
"  With  much  persuasion,  of  my  better  mind 
Hector  beguil'd  me,  off 'ring  as  my  prize 
Achilles'  horses  and  his  brass-bound  car  ;  440 

Through  the  dark  night  he  sent  me,  and  enjoin'd, 
Ent'ring  your  hostile  camp,  to  learn  if  still 
Te  keep  your  wonted  watch,  or  by  our  arms 
Subdued  and  vanquished,  meditate  retreat, 
And  worn  with  toil,  your  nightly  watch  neglect."  445 

To  whom  Ulysses  thus  with  scornful  smile : 
"  High  soar'd  thy  hopes  indeed,  that  thought  to  win 
The  horses  of  Achilles  ;  hard  are  they 
For  mortal  man  to  harness  or  control, 
Save  for  Achilles'  self,  the  Goddess-born.  450 

But  tell  me  truly  this  ;  when  here  thou  cam'st, 
Where  left'st  thou  Hector,  guardian  chief  of  Troy  ? 
Where  are  his  warlike  arms  ?  his  horses  where  ? 
Where  lie  the  rest  ?  and  where  are  plac'd  their  guards? 


348  HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  Book  X 

What  are  their  secret  counsels  ?  do  they  mean       455 
Here  by  the  ships  to  keep  their  ground,  or  back, 
Sated  with  vict'ry,  to  the  town  return  ? " 

Whom  Dolon  answer'd  thus,  Eumedes'  son  : 
"  Thy  questions  all  true  answers  shall  receive ; 
Hector,  with  those  who  share  his  counsels,  sits       460 
In  conf ' rence,  far  apart,  near  Ilus'  tomb ; 
But  for  the  guards  thou  speak'st  of,  noble  chief, 
Not  one  is  station'd  to  protect  the  camp. 
Around  the  Trojan  fires  indeed,  perforce, 
A  watch  is  kept ;  and  they,  among  themselves,      465 
Due  caution  exercise  :  but,  for  th'  Allies, 
They  sleep,  and  to  the  Trojans  leave  the  watch, 
Since  nor  their  children  nor  their  wives  are  near." 

To  whom  in  answer  sage  Ulysses  thus  : 
"  Say  now,  where  sleep  they  ?  with  the  Trojans  mix'd, 
Or  separate  ?  explain,  that  I  may  know."  471 

Whom  answer'd  Dolon  thus,  Eumedes'  son  : 
"  To  this  too  will  I  give  ye  answer  true  ; 
Next  to  the  sea  the  Carian  forces  lie  ; 
The  Paeon  archers  and  the  Leleges,  475 

The  Caucons,and  the  bold  Pelasgians  next ; 


J3ookX.  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  349 

On  Thyrubra's  side  the  Lycians'  lot  has  fall'n, 

The  Mysians  brave,  the  Phrygian  cavalry, 

And  the  Maeonians  with  their  horsehair  plumes. 

But  why  of  these  enquire  ?  if  ye  intend  480 

An  inroad  on  the  camp,  apart  from  all, 

New  come,  the  farthest  off,  the  Thracians  lie  : 

Rhesus  their  King,  the  son  of  Eioneus, 

Sleeps  in  the  midst ;  no  steeds  that  e'er  I  saw 

For  size  and  beauty  can  with  his  compare  :  485 

Whiter  than  snow,  and  swifter  than  the  wind. 

With  gold  and  silver  is  his  chariot  wrought, 

His  armour  golden,  of  gigantic  size, 

A  marvel  to  behold  !  it  seems  not  meet 

For  mortal  man,  but  for  th'  immortal  Gods.  490 

But  take  me  now  in  safety  to  the  ships  ; 

Or  leave  me  here  in  fetters  bound,  that  so, 

Ere  ye  return,  ye  may  approve  my  words, 

And  see  if  I  have  told  you  true,  or  no." 

To  whom  thus  Diomed  with  stern  regard  :  495 

"  Dolon,  though  good  thy  tidings,  hope  not  thou, 
Once  in  our  hands,  to  'scape  the  doom  of  death ; 
For  if  we  now  should  let  thee  go,  again 


350  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  X 


*j 


In  after  times  thou  mightst  our  ships  approach, 

As  secret  spy,  or  open  enemy :  500 

But  if  "beneath  my  hands  thou  lose  thy  life, 

No  farther  trouble  shalt  thou  cause  the  Greeks." 

He  said ;  and  as  the  suppliant  sought  in  vain 

To  touch  his  beard,  imploring,  through  his  throat, 

Both  tendons  sev'ring,  drove  his  trenchant  blade  :  505 

Ev'n  while  he  spoke,  his  head  was  roll'd  in  dust. 

The  cap  of  marten  fur  from  off  his  head 

They  took,  the  wolf-skin,  and  the  bow  unstrung, 

And  jav'lin  ;  these  Ulysses  held  aloft, 

And  thus  to  Pallas  pray'd,  who  gave  the  spoil :     510 

"  Receive,  great  Goddess,  these  our  gifts ;  to  thee, 

Of  all  th'  Immortals  on  Olympus'  height, 

Our  off  'rings  first  we  give  ;  conduct  us  now, 

The  Thracian  camp  and  Thracian  steeds  to  gain." 

Thus  as  he  spoke,  amid  the  tamarisk  scrub         515 
Far  off  he  threw  the  trophies  ;  then  with  reeds, 
And  twigs  new  broken  from  the  tamarisk  boughs, 
He  set  a  mark,  lest  in  the  gloom  of  night 
Returning,  they  might  haply  miss  the  spot. 
Then  on  they  pass'd  thro'  arms  and  blacken'd  gore,  520 


BookX.  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  351 

And  reach'd  the  confines  of  the  Thracian  camp. 

There  fonnd  they  all  by  sleep  subdued  ;  their  arms 

Beside  them  on  the  ground,  in  order  due, 

In  triple  rows  ;  and  by  the  side  of  each, 

Harness'd  and  yok'd,  his  horses  ready  stood^  525 

Surrounded  by  his  warriors,  Rhesus  slept ; 

Beside  him  stood  his  coursers  fleet,  their  reins 

Suspended  to  the  chariot's  topmost  rail : 

Ulysses  mark'd  him  as  he  lay,  and  said, 

"  This  is  the  man,  Tydides,  these  the  steeds,        530 

To  us  by  Dolon,  whom  we  slew,  describ'd. 

Now  then,  put  forth  thy  might ;  beseems  it  not 

To  stand  thus  idly  with  thine  arms  in  hand  : 

Loose  thou  the  horses  ;  or  do  thou  the  men 

Despatch,  and  to  my  care  the  horses  leave."  535 

He  said  :  and  Pallas  vigour  new  inspir'd, 
That  right  and  left  he  smote  ;  dire  were  the  groans 
Of  slaughter'd  men  ;  the  earth  was  red  with  blood  ; 
And  as  a  lion  on  th'  untended  flock 
Of  sheep  or  goats  with  savage  onslaught  springs,  540 
Ev'n  so  Tydides  on  the  Thracians  sprang, 
Till  twelve  were  slain  ;  and  as  Tydides'  sword 


352  HOIEE'S    ILIAD.  Book  X. 

Gave  each  to  death,  Ulysses  by  the  feet 

Drew  each  aside  ;  reflecting,  that  perchance 

The  horses,  startled,  might  refuse  to  pass  545 

The  corpses ;  for  as  yet  they  knew  them  not. 

But  when  Tydides  saw  the  sleeping  King, 

A  thirteenth  victim  to  his  sword  was  giv'n, 

Painfully  breathing  ;  for  by  Pallas'  art, 

He  saw  that  night,  as  in  an  evil  dream,  550 

The  son  of  (Eneus  standing  o'er  his  head. 

Meanwhile  Ulysses  sage  the  horses  loos'd ; 

He  gather' d  up  the  reins,  and  with  his  bow 

(For  whip  was  none  at  hand)  he  drove  them  forth ; 

Then  softly  whistling  to  Tydides  gave  555 

A  signal ;  he,  the  while,  remain'd  behind, 

Musing  what  bolder  deed  he  yet  might  do  ; 

Whether  the  seat,  whereon  the  arms  Avere  laid, 

To  draw  away,  or,  lifted  high  in  air, 

To  bear  it  off  in  triumph  on  the  car  ;  560 

Or  on  the  Thracians  farther  loss  inflict ; 

But  while  he  mus'd,  beside  him  Pallas  stood, 

And  said,  "  Bethink  thee,  Tydeus'  son,  betimes 

Of  thy  return,  lest,  if  some  other  God 


BookX.        HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  353 

Should  wake  the  Trojans,  thou  sliouldst  need  to  fly." 
She  said  ;  the  heav'nly  voice  he  recogniz'd,  566 

And  mounted  straight  the  car ;  Ulysses  touch'd 
The  horses  with  his  bow  ;  and,  urg'd  to  speed, 
They  tow'rd  the  ships  their  rapid  course  pursued. 

]S"or  idle  watch  Apollo  kept,  who  saw  570 

Tydicles  o'er  the  plain  by  Pallas  led ; 
With  anger  fill'd,  the  Trojan  camp  he  sought ; 
And  Rhesus'  kinsman,  good  Hippocoon, 
The  Thracian  councillor,  from  sleep  arous'd ; 
Awaking,  when  the  vacant  space  he  view'd,  575 

"Where  late  had  stood  the  horses  ;  and  his  friends 
Gasping  in  death,  and  welt'ring  in  their  blood, 
He  groan'd  as  on  his  comrade's  name  he  call'd : 
Then  loud  the  clamour  rose,  and  wild  uproar, 
Unspeakable,  of  Trojans  thronging  round  ;  580 

They  marvell'd  at  the  deeds  ;  but  marvell'd  more 
How  they  who  wrought  them  had  escap'd  unscath'd. 
Meantime  arriv'd  where  Hector's  scout  they  slew, 
Ulysses,  lov'd  of  Heav'n,  a  moment  check'd 
His  eager  steeds  ;  Tydides  from  the  car  585 

Leap'd  to  the  ground,  and  in  Ulysses'  hand 

VOL.    I.  y 


354  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  Book  X. 

The  bloody  trophies  plac'd ;  then  mounted  quick, 

And  tow'rd  the  ships,  their  destin'd  goal,  urg'd  on 

The  fiery  horses  ;  nothing  loth,  they  flew. 

Nestor  first  heard  the  sound,  and  cried,  "  O  friends, 

The  leaders  and  the  councillors  of  Greece,  591 

Am  I  deceiv'd,  or  is  it  true  ?  methinks 

The  sound  of  horses,  hurrying,  strikes  mine  ear  ; 

Grant  Heav'n,  Ulysses  and  brave  Diomed 

May  bring  those  horses  from  the  Trojan  camp  ;     505 

Yet  much  I  fear  our  bravest  may  have  met 

"With  some  disaster  'mid  the  crowd  of  foes." 

He  scarce  had  ended,  when  themselves  appear'd, 
And  from  the  car  descended :  welcom'd  back 
With  cordial  grasp  of  hands,  and  friendly  words.  600 
Gerenian  Nestor  first,  enquiring,  said  : 
"  Tell  me,  renown'd  Ulysses,  pride  of  Greece, 
"Whence  come  these  horses  %  from  the  Trojan  camp  % 
Or  hath  some  God,  that  met  you  by  the  way, 
Bestow'd  them,  radiant  as  the  beams  of  light  \       605 
Among  the  Trojans  day  by  day  I  move  ; 
'Tis  not  my  wont;  old  warrior  though  I  be, 
To  lag  behind  ;  but  horses  such  as  these 


Book  X.  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  355 

I  never  saw ;  some  God  hath  giv'n  them,  sure  ; 

For  Jove,  the  Cloud-compeller,  loves  you  both,      610 

And  Pallas,  child  of  aegis-bearing  Jove." 

To  whom  again  the  sage  Ulysses  thus  : 
"  0  JSTestor,  son  of  Neleus,  pride  of  Greece, 
Had  they  so  will'd,  the  Gods,  so  great  their  pow'r, 
E'en  better  horses  could  have  giv'n  than  these  ;     615 
But  these,  old  man,  are  Thracians,  newly  come  ; 
"Whose  King  the  valiant  Diomed  hath  slain, 
And  with  him  twelve,  the  best  of  all  his  band. 
A  scout  too  have  we  slain,  by  Hector  sent, 
And  by  the  Trojan  chiefs,  to  spy  our  camp."  620 

He  said,  and  o'er  the  ditch  the  horses  drove, 
Exulting  in  their  prize  ;  and  with  him  went 
The  other  chiefs,  rejoicing,  through  the  camp. 
Arriv'd  at  Diomed's  well-order'd  tent, 
First  with  strong  halters  to  the  rack,  where  stood,  625 
High-fed  with  corn,  his  own  swift-footed  steeds, 
The  horses  they  secur'd  ;  Ulysses  then 
The  bloody  spoils  of  Dolon  stow'd  away 
In  the  ship's  stern,  till  fitting  sacrifice 
To  Pallas  might  be  offer'd  ;  to  the  sea  630 


356  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  Book  X. 

Descending  then,  they  wash'd  away  the  sweat, 
"Which  on  their  necks,  and  thighs,  and  knees  had  dried : 
The  sweat  wash'd  off,  and  in  the  ocean  waves 
Themselves  refresh'd,  they  sought  the  polish'd  bath ; 
Then,  by  the  bath  restor'd,  and  all  their  limbs        633 
Anointed  freely  with  the  lissom  oil, 
Sat  down  to  breakfast ;  and  from  flowing  bowls 
In  Pallas'  honour  pour'd  the  luscious  wine.  638 


ARGUMENT. 

THE  THIRD  BATTLE,  AND  THE  ACTS  OF  AGAMEMNON. 

Agamemnon,  Laving  armed  himself,  leads  the  Grecians  to  battle 
Hector  prepares  the  Trojans  to  receive  them ;  while  Jupiter,  Juno, 
and  Minerva,  give  the  signals  of  war.  Agamemnon  bears  all  be- 
fore him  ;  and  Hector  is  commanded  by  Jupiter  (who  sends  Iris 
for  that  purpose)  to  decline  the  engagement,  till  the  king  should 
bo  wounded,  and  retire  from  the  field.  He  then  makes  a  great 
slaughter  of  the  enemy  ;  Ulysses  and  Diomed  put  a  stop  to  him 
for  a  time  ;  but  the  latter,  being  wounded  by  Paris,  is  obliged  to 
desert  his  companion,  who  is  encompassed  by  the  Trojans, 
wounded,  and  in  the  utmost  danger,  till  Meneliius  and  Ajax  res- 
cue him.  Hector  comes  against  Ajax,  but  that  hero  alone  opposes 
multitudes  and  rallies  the  Greeks.  In  the  meantime  Machaon, 
in  the  other  wing  of  the  army,  is  pierced  with  an  arrow  by  Paris, 
and  carried  from  the  fight  in  Nestor's  chariot.  Achilles  (who 
overlooked  the  action  from  his  ship)  sends  Patroclus  to  inquire 
which  of  the  Greeks  was  wounded  in  that  manner.  Nestor  enter- 
tains ,  him  in  his  tent  with  an  account  of  the  accidents  of  the 
day,  and  a  long  recital  of  some  former  wars  which  he  had  remem- 
bered, tending  to  put  Patroclus  upon  persuading  Achilles  to  fight 
for  his  countrymen,  or  at  least  to  permit  him  to  do  it  clad  in 
Achilles'  armour.  Patroclus  in  his  return  meets  Eurypylus  also 
wounded,  and  assists  in  that  distress. 

This  book  opens  with  the  eight-and-twentieth  day  of  the  poem ; 
and  the  same  day,  with  its  various  actions  and  adventures,  is 
extended  through  the  twelfth,  thirteenth,  fourteenth,  fifteenth, 
sixteenth,  seventeenth,  and  part  of  the  eighteenth  books.  The 
scene  lies  in  the  field  near  the  monument  of  Ilus. 


Book  XL         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  359 


BOOK     XI. 

"ATOW  rose  Aurora  from  Tithorras'  bed, 

To  mortals  and  Immortals  bringing  light ; 
When  to  the  ships  of  Greece  came  Discord  down, 
Despatch'd  from  Jove,  with  dire  portents  of  war. 
Upon  Ulysses'  lofty  ship  she  stood,  5 

The  midmost,  thence  to  shout  to  either  side, 
Or  to  the  tents  of  Ajax  Telamon, 
Or  of  Achilles,  who  at  each  extreme, 
Confiding  in  their  strength,  had  moor'd  their  ships. 
There  stood  the  Goddess,  and  in  accents  loud  10 

And  dread  she  call'd,  and  fix'd  in  ev'ry  breast 
The  fierce  resolve  to  wage  unwearied  war ; 
And  dearer  to  their  hearts  than  thoughts  of  home 
Or  wish'd  return,  became  the  battle-field. 

Atrides,  loudly  shouting,  call'd  the  Greeks  15 

To  arms  :  himself  his  flashing  armour  donn'd. 
First  on  his  legs  the  well-wrought  greaves  he  fix'd, 


360  HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  Book  XI 

Fasten'd  with,  silver  clasps  ;  his  ample  chest 

A  breastplate  guarded,  giv'n  by  Cinyras 

In  pledge  of  friendship  ;  for  in  Cyprus'  isle  20 

He  heard  the  rumour  of  the  glorious  fleet 

About  to  sail  for  Troy  ;  and  sought  with  gifts 

To  win  the  favour  of  the  mighty  King. 

Ten  bands  were  there  inwrought  of  dusky  bronze, 

Twelve  of  pure  gold,  twice  ten  of  shining  tin  :         25 

Of  bronze  six  dragons  upwards  tow'rds  the  neck 

Their  length  extended,  three  on  either  side  : 

In  colour  like  the  bow,  which  Saturn's  son 

Plac'd  in  the  clouds,  a  sign  to  mortal  men  : 

Then  o'er  his  shoulder  threw  his  sword  ;  bright  flash'd 

The  golden  studs  ;  the  silver  scabbard  shone,  31 

"With  golden  baldrick  fitted  ;  next  his  shield 

He  took,  full-siz'd,  well- wrought,  well-prov'd  in  fight ; 

Around  it  ran  ten  circling  rims  of  brass  ; 

"With  twenty  bosses  round  of  burnish'd  tin,  35 

And,  in  the  centre,  one  of  dusky  bronze. 

A  Gorgon's  head,  with  aspect  terrible, 

Was  wrought,  with  Fear  and  Flight  encircled  round  : 

Depending  from  a  silver  belt  it  hung  ; 


Book  XL  HOMER'S      ILIAD.  361 

And  on  the  belt  a  dragon,  wrought  in  bronze,       40 
Twin'd  his  lithe  folds,  and  turn'd  on  ev'ry  side, 
Sprung  from  a  single  neck,  his  triple  head. 
Then  on  his  brow  his  lofty  helm  he  plac'd, 
Four-crested,  double-peak'd,  with  'horsehair  plumes, 
That  nodded,  fearful,  from  the  warrior's  head.        45 
Then  took  two  weighty  lances,  tipp'd  with  brass, 
Which  fiercely  flash'd  against  the  face  of  Iieav'n  : 
Pallas  and  Juno  thund'ring  from  on  high 
In  honour  of  Mycenae's  wealthy  lord. 

Forthwith  they  order'd,  each  his  charioteer,         50 
To  stay  his  car  beside  the  ditch  ;  themselves, 
On  foot,  in  arms  accoutred,  sallied  forth, 
And  loud,  ere  early  dawn,  the  clamour  rose. 
Advanc'd  before  the  cars,  they  lin'd  the  ditch ; 
Follow'd  the  cars,  a  little  space  between  :  55 

But  Jove  with  dire  confusion  fill'd  their  ranks, 
Who  sent  from  Heav'n  a  show'r  of  blood-stain'd  rain, 
In  sign  of  many  a  warrior's  coming  doom, 
Soon  to  the  viewless  shades  untimely  sent. 
Meanwhile  upon  the  slope,  beneath  the  plain,  60 

The  Trojan  chiefs  were  gather'd ;  Hector's  self, 


362  HOMER'S     ILIAD.         Book  XI. 

Polydamas,  ./Eneas,  as  a  God 

In  rev'rence  held  ;  Antenor's  three  brave  sons, 

Agenor's  godlike  presence,  Polybus, 

And,  heav'nly  fair,  the  youthful  Acamas.  65 

In  front  was  seen  the  broad  circumference 

Of  Hector's  shield  :  and  as  amid  the  clouds 

Shines  forth  the  fiery  dog-star,  bright  and  clear, 

Anon  beneath  the  cloudy  veil  conceal'd  ; 

So  now  in  front  was  Hector  seen,  and  now  70 

Pass'd  to  the  rear,  exhorting  ;  all  in  brass, 

His  burnish'd  arms  like  Jove's  own  lightning  flash'd. 

As  in  the  corn-land  of  some  wealthy  Lord 
The  rival  bands  of  reapers  mow  the  swathe, 
Barley  or  wheat ;  and  fast  the  trusses  fall ;  75 

So  Greeks  and  Trojans  mow'd  th'  opposing  ranks  ; 
Nor  these  admitted  thought  of  faint  retreat, 
But  still  made  even  head  ;  while  those,  like  wolves, 
Rush'd  to  the  onset ;  Discord,  Goddess  dire, 
Beheld,  rejoicing  ;  of  the  heav'nly  pow'rs  80 

She  only  mingled  with  the  combatants ; 
The  others  all  were  absent ;  they,  serene, 
Repos'd  in  gorgeous  palaces,  for  each 


Book  XI.         HOMER'S    ILIAD.  3G3 

Amid  Olympus'  deep  recesses  built. 
Yet  all  the  cloud-girt  son  of  Saturn  blam'd,  85 

Who  will'd  the  vict'ry  to  the  arms  of  Troy. 
He  heeded  not  their  anger  ;  but  withdrawn 
Apart  from  all,  in  pride  of  conscious  strength, 
Survey'd  the  walls  of  Troy,  the  ships  of  Greece, 
The  flash  of  arms,  the  slayers  and  the  slain.  90 

"While  yet  'twas  morn,  and  wax'd  the  youthful  day, 
Thick  flew  the  shafts,  and  fast  the  people  fell 
On  either  side  :  but  when  the  hour  was  come 
When  woodmen,  in  the  forest's  deep  recess, 
Prepare  their  food,  and  wearied  with  the  toil  95 

Of  felling  loftiest  trees,  with  aching  arms 
Turn  with  keen  relish  to  their  midday  meal ; 
Then  Grecian  valour  broke  th'  opposing  ranks, 
As  each  along  the  line  encourag'd  each  ; 
First  sprang  the  monarch  Agamemnon  forth,  100 

And  brave  Bienor  slew,  his  people's  guard  ; 
And,  with  the  chief,  his  friend  and  charioteer, 
Oileus ;  he,  down-leaping  from  the  car, 
Stood  forth  defiant ;  but  between  his  brows 
The  monarch's  spear  was  thrust ;  nor  aught  avail'd  105 


364  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.         Book  XL 

The  brass-bound  helm  to  stay  the  weapon's  point ; 

Through  helm  and  bone  it  pass'd,  and  all  the  brain 

"Was  shatter'd  ;  forward  as  he  rush'd,  he  fell. 

Them  left  he  there,  their  bare  breasts  gleaming  white, 

Stripp'd  of  their  arms;  and  hasten'd  in  pursuit       110 

Of  Antiphus  and  Isus,  Priam's  sons, 

A  bastard  one,  and  one  legitimate, 

Both  on  one  car ;  the  bastard  held  the  reins  : 

Beside  him  stood  the  gallant  Antiphus. 

Them,  as  they  fed  their  flocks  on  Ida's  heights,     115 

Achilles  once  had  captive  made,  and  bound 

With  willow  saplings,  till  for  ransom  freed. 

The  mighty  monarch,  Agamemnon,  drove 

Through  Isus'  breast  his  spear ;  his  weighty  sword 

Descended  on  the  head  of  Antiphus  120 

Beside  the  ear,  and  hurl'd  him  from  his  car  ; 

These  of  their  armour  he  despoil'd  in  haste, 

Known  to  him  both  ;  for  he  had  seen  them  oft 

Beside  the  ships,  when  thither  captive  brought 

From  Ida  by  Achilles,  swift  of  foot.  125 

As  when  a  lion  in  their  lair  hath  seiz'd 

The  helpless  offspring  of  a  mountain  doe, 


Book  XL         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  365 

And  breaks  their  bones  with  ease,  and  with  strong  teeth 
Crushes  their  tender  life  ;  nor  can  their  dam. 
Though  close  at  hand  she  be,  avail  them  aught ;    130 
For  she  herself  by  deadly  terror  seiz'd, 
Through  the  thick  coppice  and  the  forest  flies, 
Panting,  and  bath'd  in  sweat,  the  monster's  rush  ; 
So  dar'd  no  Trojan  give  those  brethren  aid, 
Themselves  in  terror  of  the  warlike  Greeks.  135 

Peisander  next,  and  bold  Hippolochus, 
Sons  of  Antimachus  ('twas  he  who  chief, 
Seduc'd  by  Paris'  gold  and  splendid  gifts, 
Advis'd  the  restitution  to  refuse 
Of  Helen  to  her  Lord),  the  King  assail'd ;  140 

Both  on  one  car ;  but  from  their  hands  had  dropp'd 
The  broider'd  reins  ;  bewilder'd  there  they  stood  ; 
While,  with  a  lion's  bound,  upon  them  sprang 
The  son  of  Atreus  ;  suppliant,  in  the  car, 
They  clasp'd  his  knees ;  "  Give  quarter,  Atreus'  son, 
Redeem  our  lives ;  our  sire  Antimachus  146 

Possesses  goodly  store  of  brass  and  gold, 
And  well- wrought  iron ;  and  of  these  he  fain 
Would  pay  a  noble,  ransom,  could  he  hear 


B06  HOMER'S     ILIAD.         Book  XI. 

That  in  the  Grecian  ships  we  yet  snrviv'd."  150 

Thus  they,  with  gentle  words,  and  tears,  imploring  ; 
But  all  ungentle  was  the  voice  they  heard 
In  answer  ;  "  If  indeed  ye  be  the  sons 
Of  that  Antimachus,  who  counsel  gave, 
When  noble  Menelaus  came  to  Troy  155 

With  sage  Ulysses,  as  ambassadors, 
To  slay  them  both,  nor  suffer  their  return, 
Pay  now  the  forfeit  of  your  father's  guilt." 
He  said,  and  with  a  spear-thrust  through  his  breast 
Peisander  dash'd  to  earth  ;  backward  he  fell.  160 

Down  leap'd  Ilippolochus  ;  but  Atreus'  son 
Severing  his  hands  and  neck,  amid  the  throng 
Sent  whirling  like  a  bowl  the  gory  head. 
These  left  he  there  ;  and  where  the  thickest  throng 
Mamtain'd  the  tug  of  war,  thither  he  flew,  165 

And  with  him  eager  hosts  of  well-greav'd  Greeks. 
Soon  on  the  Trojans'  flight  enforc'd  they  hung, 
Destroying  ;  foot  on  foot,  and  horse  on  horse  ; 
While  from  the  plain  thick  clouds  of  dust  arose 
P>eneath  the  armed  hoofs  of  clatt'ring  steeds  ;         1T0 
And  on  the  monarch  Agamemnon  press'd, 


Book  XL       HOMER'S     ILIAD.  367 

Still  slaying,  urging  still  the  Greeks  to  arms. 
As  when  amid  a  densely  timber'd  wood 
Light  the  devouring  flames,  by  eddying  winds 
Hither  and  thither  borne,  fast  falls  the  copse     175 
Prostrate  beneath  the  fire's  impetuous  course ; 
So  thickly  fell  the  flying  Trojans'  heads 
Beneath  the  might  of  Agamemnon's  arm  ; 
And  here  and  there,  athwart  the  pass  of  war, 
Was  many  an  empty  car  at  random  whiii'd       180 
By  strong-neck'd  steeds,  of  guiding  hands  bereft ; 
Stretch'd  on  the  plain  they  lay,  more  welcome  sight 
To  carrion  birds  than  to  their  widow'd  wives. 
But  Hector,  from  the  fray  and  din  of  war, 
And  dust,  and  blood,  and  carnage,  Jove  withdrew. 
Still  on  Atrides  press'd,  the  Greek  pursuit  18G 

With  eager  shouts  exciting  ;  past  the  tomb 
Of  Ilus,  ancient  son  of  Dardanus, 
And  toward  the  fig-tree,  midway  o'er  the  plain, 
Straining  to  gain  the  town, the  Trojans  fled  ;  190 

While  loudly  shouting,  his  unconquer'd  hands 
With  carnage  dyed,  Atrides  urg'd  their  flight. 
But  when  the  Scaean  gates  and  oak  were  reach'd, 


368  HOMER'S     ILIAD.         Book  XI 


They  made  a  stand,  and  fac'd  the  foe's  assault. 

Some  o'er  the  open  plain  were  yet  dispers'd  ;         195 

As  heifers,  by  a  lion  scatter'd  wide, 

At  dead  of  night ;  all  fly  ;  on  one  descends 

The  doom  of  death  ;  her  with  his  pow'rful  teeth 

He  seizes,  and,  her  neck  first  broken,  rends, 

And  on  her  entrails  gorging,  laps  her  blood.  200 

So  these  the  monarch  Agamemnon  chas'd, 

Slaying  the  hindmost ;  they  in  terrpr  fled : 

Some  headlong,  backward  some,  Atrides'  hand 

Hurl'd  from  their  chariot  many  a  warrior  bold  ; 

So  forward  and  so  fierce  he  bore  his  spear.  205 

But  as  he  near'd  the  city,  and  stood  beneath 

The  lofty  wall,  the  Sire  of  Gods  and  men 

From  Heav'n  descended ;  on  the  topmost  height 

Of  Ida's  spring-abounding  hill  he  sat : 

And  while  his  hand  the  lightning  grasp'd,  he  thus  210 

To  golden-winged  Iris  gave  command  : 

"  Haste  thee,  swift  Iris,  and  to  Hector  bear 
From  me  this  message  ;  bid  him,  that  as  long 
As  Agamemnon  in  the  van  appears, 
Haging,  and  dealing  death  among  the  ranks,  215 


Book  XL  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  300 

Ho  from  the  battle  keep  himself  aloof, 

But  urge  the  rest  undaunted  to  maintain 

The  stubborn  fight ;  but  should  Atrides,  struck 

By  spear  or  arrow,  to  his  car  withdraw. 

He  shall  from  me  receive  such  pow'r  to  slay,  220 

As  to  the  ships  shall  bear  him,  ere  the  sun 

Decline,  and  Darkness  spread  her  hallowing  shade." 

Thus  he  ;  to  Troy,  obedient  to  his  word, 
From  Ida's  heights  swift-footed  Iris  sped  : 
Amid  the  horses  and  the  well-fram'd  cars  225 

The  godlike  Hector,  Priam's  son,  she  found, 
And  stood  beside  him,  and  address'd  him  thus : 

"  Hector,  thou  son  of  Priam,  sage  as  Jove 
In  council,  he  the  Universal  Lord 
Sends  thee  by  me  this  message  ;  that  as  long        230 
As  Agamemnon  in  the  van  appears, 
Paging,  and  dealing  death  amid  the  ranks, 
Thou  from  the  battle  keep  thyself  aloof, 
But  uro-e  the  rest  undaunted  to  maintain 
The  stubborn  fight ;  but  should  Atrides,  struck      235 
By  spear  or  arrow,  to  his  car  withdraw, 
Thou  shalt  from  him  receive  such  pow'r  to  slay 


VOL.  I. 


370  HOMEE'S      ILIAD.  Book  XL 

As  to  the  ships  shall  bear  thee,  ere  the  sun 
Decline,  and  Darkness  spread  her  hallowing  shade." 

Swift-footed  Iris  said,  and  disappear'd  ;  240 

But  from  his  chariot  Hector  leap'd  to  earth, 
Hither  and  thither  passing  through  the  ranks, 
With  brandish'd  jav'lins  urging  to  the  fight. 
Loud, at  his  bidding, rose  the  battle-cry; 
Back  roll'd  the  tide  ;  again  they  fac'd  the  Greeks :  245 
On  th'  other  side  the  Greeks  their  masses  form'd, 
In  line  of  battle  rang'd ;  opposed  they  stood ; 
And  in  the  front,  to  none  content  to  cede 
The  foremost  place,  was  Agamemnon  seen. 

Say  now,  ye  Nine,  who  on  Olympus  dwell,     250 
Of  all  the  Trojans  and  their  fam'd  Allies, 
Who  first  oppos'd  to  Agamemnon  stood. 
Iphidamas,  Antenor's  gallant  son, 
Stalwart  and  brave  ;  in  fertile  Thracia  bred, 
Mother  of  flocks  ;  him,  in  his  infant  years,  255 

His  grandsire  Cisseus,  fair  Theano's  sire, 
In  his  own  palace  rear'd  ;  and  when  he  reach'd 
The  perfect  measure  of  his  glorious  youth, 
Still  in  his  house  retain'd  him,  and  to  wife 


Book  XI.         HOMER'S    ILIAD.  371 

Gave  him  his  daughter ;  but  when  tidings  came    260 
Of  Grecian  warfare,  from  the  marriage  straight 
Embarking,  with  twelve  beaked  ships  he  sailed, 
That  owned  his  sway ;  these  on  Percote's  shore 
He  left ;  and  came  himself  on  foot  to  Troy  ; 
Who  now  confronted  Atreus'  godlike  son.  265 

"When  near  they  drew,  Atrides  miss'd  his  aim, 
His  spear  diverging  ;  then  Iphidamas 
Beneath  the  breastplate,  striking  on  his  belt, 
Strove  with  strong  hand  to  drive  the  weapon  home  : 
Yet  could  not  pierce  the  belt's  close-plaited  work  ;  270 
The  point,  eucounter'd  by  the  silver  fold, 
"Was  bent,  like  lead  ;  then 'with  his  pow'rful  hand 
The  monarch  Agamemnon  seiz'd  the  spear, 
And  tow'rd  him  drew,  and  with  a  lion's  strength 
Wrench'd  from  his  foeman's  grasp  ;  then  on  his  neck 
Let  fall  his  sword,  and  slack'd  his  limbs  in  death.     276 
There,  falling  in  his  country's  cause,  he  slept 
The  iron  sleep  of  death  ;  unhappy  he, 
Far  from  his  virgin-bride,  yet  unpossess'd, 
Though  bought  with  costly  presents ;  first  he  gave  280 
A  hundred  steers  ;  and  promis'd  thousands  more 


372  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  XL 

Of  slieep  and  goats  from  out  his  countless  flocks. 

Him  Agamemnon  of  his  arms  despoil'd, 

And  to  the  crowd  of  Greeks  the  trophies  bore. 

But  -when  Antenor's  eldest-born  beheld,  285 

Coon,  th'  observ'd  of  all  men,  bitt'rest  grief 

His  eyes  o'ershadow'd,  for  his  brother's  fate  ; 

And,  unperceiv'd  by  Atreus'  godlike  sou, 

Standing  aside,  he  struck  him  with  his  spear, 

Through  the  mid  arm,  beneath  the  elbow's  bend ;  290 

And  drove  right  through  the  weapon's  glitt'ring  point. 

Writh'd  with  the  pain  the  mighty  King  of  men  ; 

Yet  from  the  combat  flinch'd  he  not,  nor  quail'd  : 

But  grasping  firm  his  weather-toughen'd  spear 

On  Coon  rush'd,  as  by  the  feet  he  drew  295 

His  father's  son,  Iphidamas,  away, 

Invoking  all  the  bravest  to  his  aid  ; 

And  as  he  drew  the  body  tow'rd  the  crowd, 

Beneath  the  bossy  shield  the  monarch  thrust 

His  brass-clad  spear,  and  slack'd  his  limbs  in  death  ; 

Then  near  approaching,  ev'n  upon  the  corpse         301 

Of  dead  Iphidamas,  struck  off  his  head  : 

So  by  Atrides'  hand,  Antenor's  sons, 


Book  Xl.        HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  373 

Their  doom  accomplisli'd,  to  the  shades  were  sent. 

Then  through  the  crowded  ranks,  with  spear  and  sword, 

And  massive  stones,  he  held  his  furious  course,      306 

While  the  hot  blood  was  welling  from  his  arm  ; 

But  when  the  wound  was  dry,  and  stanch'd  the  blood, 

Keen  anguish  then  Atrides'  might  subdued. 

As  when  a  woman  in  her  labour-throes  310 

Sharp  pangs  encompass,  by  Lucina  sent, 

Who  rules  o'er  child-birth  travail,  ev'n  so  keen 

The  pangs  that  then  Atrides'  might  subdued. 

Mounting  his  car  he  bade  his  charioteer 

Drive  to  the  ships  ;  for  sore  his  spirit  was  pain'd ;  315 

But  loud  and  clear  he  shouted  to  the  Greeks  : 

"  O  friends,  the  chiefs  and  councillors  of  Greece, 

Yours  be  it  now  our  sea-borne  ships  to  guard  : 

Since  Jove,  the  Lord  of  counsel,  through  the  day 

Wills  not  that  I  the  battle  should  maintain."  320 

He  said  :  and  swiftly  to  the  ships  were  driv'n 
His  sleek-skinn'd  coursers ;  nothing  loth  they  flew  ; 
With  foam  their  chests  were  fleck'd,  with  dust  their 

flanks, 
As  from  the  field  their  wounded  Lord  they  bore : 


374  HOMER'S    ILIAD.         Book  XI 

But  Hector,  as  lie  saw  the  King  retire,  325 

To  Trojans  and  to  Lycians  call'd  aloud  : 

"  Trojans  and  Lycians,  and  ye  Dardans  fam'd 
In  close  encounter,  quit  ye  now  like  men  ; 
Put  forth  your  wonted  valour  ;  from  the  field 
Their  bravest  has  withdrawn,  and  Jove  on  me       33C 
Great  glory  hath  shed  ;  now  headlong  on  the  Greeks 
Urge  your  swift  steeds,  and  endless  honour  gain." 

His  words  fresh  courage  rous'd  in  ev'ry  breast : 
And  as  a  hunter  cheers  his  sharp-fang' d  hounds 
On  forest  boar  or  lion  ;  on  the  Greeks  335 

So  cheer'd  the  valiant  Trojans  Priam's  son, 
Illustrious  Hector,  stern  as  blood-stain'd  Mars. 
Bent  on  high  deeds,  himself  in  front  advane'd, 
Fell  on  the  masses  as  a  whirlwind  falls, 
Lashing  with  furious  sweep  the  dark-blue  sea.         340 

Say  then,  who  first,  who  last,  by  Hector's  hand, 
Whom  Jove  had  will'd  to  crown  with  honour,  died. 
Assseus  first,  and  then  Autonous, 
Opites,  and  Opheltius,  Dolops,  son 
Of  Clytus,  and  iEsumnus,  Agelas  345 

And  Orus,  and  brave  Hipponous  ; 


Book  XI  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  375 

All  these  the  chiefs  of  Greece  ;  the  nameless  crowd 

He  scatter'd  next ;  as  when  the  west  wind  drives 

The  clouds,  and  battles  with  the  hurricane, 

Before  the  clearing  blast  of  Notus  driv'n  ;  350 

The  big  waves  heave  and  roll,  and  high  aloft, 

The  gale,  careering,  flings  the  ocean  spray  ; 

So  thick  and  furious  fell  on  hostile  heads 

The  might  of  Hector.     Now  had  fearful  deeds 

Been  done,  and  Greeks  beside  their  ships  had  fall'n 

In  shameful  rout,  had  not  Ulysses  thus  356 

To  Diomed,  the  son  of  Tydeus,  call'd  : 

"  Why,  son  of  Tydeus,  should  we  thus  relax 
Our  warlike  courage  ?  come,  stand  by  me  now, 
True  friend  !  if  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  360 

Our  ships  should  capture,  great  were  our  disgrace." 

Whom  answer'd  thus  the  valiant  Diomed  : 
"  Beside  thee  will  I  stand,  and  still  endure  ; 
But  brief  will  be  the  term  of  our  success, 
Since  Jove,  the  Cloud-compeller,  not  to  us,  365 

But  to  the  Trojans,  wills  the  victory." 

He  said,  and  from  his  car  Thymbrseus  hurl'd, 
Through  the  left  breast  transfix'd  :  Ulysses'  hand 


376  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  Book  XI 

His  charioteer,  the  brave  Molion,  slew. 

These  left  they  there,  no  more  to  share  the  fight ;  37C 

Then  turning,  spread  confusion  'mid  the  crowd  : 

As  turn  two  boars  upon  the  hunter's  pack 

With  desp'rate  courage,  turning  so  to  bay, 

Those  two,  the  Trojans  scatt'ring,  gave  the  Greeks, 

From  Hector  flying,  time  again  to  breathe.  375 

A  car  they  seiz'd  which  bore  two  valiant  chiefs, 

Sons  of  Percotian  Merops  ;  he,  o'er  all 

In  lore  prophetic  skill'd,  would  fain  at  home 

Have  kept  them  from  the  life-destroying  war : 

But  they,  by  adverse  fate  impell'd  to  seek  380 

Their  doom  of  death,  his  warning  voice  despis'd. 

These  two,  of  strength  and  life  at  once  bereft, 

The  son  of  Tydeus,  valiant  Diomed, 

Stripp'd  of  their  armour  ;  while  Ulysses  slew 

Hippodamus,and  bold  Hyperochus.  385 

Thus  Jove,  from  Ida's  height  beholding,  held 

His  even  scale,  each  party  slaught'ring  each. 

Then  with  his  spear  Tydides  through  the  loins 

Agastrophus,  the  son  of  Pseon,  smote  ; 

No  car  had  he  at  hand,  whereto  to  fly  :  390 


Book  XL         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  377 

But,  ill-advis'd,  had  in  tli'  attendants'  charge 

His  horses  left  far  off ;  while  he  himself 

Rush'd  'mid  the  throng  on  foot,  and  met  his  doom. 

Hector's  quick  glance  athwart  the  files  beheld, 

And  to  the  rescue,  with  a  shout,  he  sprang,  395 

The  Trojan  columns  following  ;  not  unmov'd 

The  valiant  Diomed  his  coming  saw, 

And  thus  bespoke  Ulysses  at  his  side  : 

"  On  us  this  plague,  this  mighty  Hector,  falls  : 

Yet  stand  we  firm,  and  boldly  meet  the  shock."     400 

He  said,  and,  poising,  hurl'd  his  pond'rous  spear, 

And  not  in  vain  ;  on  Hector's  head  it  struck 

His  helmet's  crest,  but,  brass  encountering  brass, 

Himself  it  reach'd  not ;  for  the  visor'd  helm, 

Apollo's  gift,  three-plated,  stay'cl  its  force.  405 

Yet  backward  Hector  sprang  amid  the  crowd, 

And  on  his  knees  he  dropp'd,  his  stalwart  hand 

Propp'd  on  the  ground ;  while  darkness  veil'd  his  eyes. 

But  ere  Tydides,  following  up  his  spear, 

Attain'd  from  far  the  spot  whereon  he  fell,  410 

Hector  reviv'd,  and  mounting  quick  his  car, 

Drove  'mid  the  crowd,  and  'scap'd  the  doom  of  death. 


378  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  XL 

Then  thus,  with  threat'ning  spear,  Tyclides  cried : 

"  Yet  once  again,  vile  liound,  hast  thou  escap'd  ; 

Thy  doom  was  nigh  ;  hut  thee  thy  God  hath  sav'd,  415 

Phoebus,  to  whom,  amid  the  clash  of  spears, 

Well  mayst  thou  pray  !  We  yet  shall  meet  again ; 

When  I  shall  end  thee,  if  a  guardian  God 

I  too  may  claim  ;  meanwhile  from  thee  I  turn, 

And  others  seek  on  whom  my  hap  may  light."       420 

He  said,  and  turn'd  him  of  his  arms  to  strip 
The  son  of  Paeon  ;  but  beside  the  stone 
That  mark'd  where  men  of  old  had  rais'd  a  mound 
To  Ilus,  Dardan's  son,  the  ancient  chief, 
There  crouching,  Paris,  fair-hair'd  Helen's  Lord,    425 
Against  the  son  of  Tydeus  bent  his  bow. 
He  from  the  breast  of  brave  Agastrophus 
Had  stripp'd  the  corslet ;  from  his  shoulders  broad 
The  buckler,  and  the  helmet  from  his  head, 
When  Paris  bent  his  bow,  and  not  in  vain  430 

His  arrow  launch'd  ;  Tydides'  dexter  foot 
Right  through  it  pierc'd,  and  pinn'd  it  to  the  ground. 
Joyous  he  laugh'd,  and  from  his  hiding  place 
Sprang  forth,  and  thus  in  tones  of  triumph  cri^d  : 


Book  XL       HOMER'S     ILIAD.  379 

"  Tliou  hast  it !  not  in  vain  my  shaft  hatli  flown  !  435 
Would  that,  deep  buried  in  thy  flank,  it  touch'd 
Thy  very  life  !  so  should  our  Trojans  lose 
Their  panic  fear,  who  now  on  thee  with  dread, 
As  bleating  goats  upon  a  lion,  look." 

To  whom,  unmov'd,  the  valiant  Diomed  :  440 

"  Poor  archer,  trusting  to  thy  bow  alone, 
Yile  sland'rer  and  seducer  !  if  indeed 
Thou  durst  in  arms  oppos'd  to  me  to  stand, 
Nought  would  avail  thy  arrows  and  thy  bow  : 
And  now,  because  thy  shaft  hath  graz'd  my  foot,  445 
Thou  mak'st  thine  empty  boast :  I  heed  thee  not, 
More  than  a  woman  or  a  puny  child  : 
A  worthless  coward's  weapon  hath  no  point. 
'Tis  diff 'rent  far  with  me  !  though  light  it  fall, 
My  spear  is  sharp,  and  whom  it  strikes,  it  slays.    450 
His  widow's  cheeks  are  mark'd  with  scars  of  grief, 
His  children  orphans  ;  rotting  on  the  ground, 
Red  with  his  blood,  he  lies,  his  fun'ral  rites 
By  carrion  birds,  and  not  by  women  paid." 

Thus  while  he  spoke,  Ulysses,  spearman  bold,     455 
Drew  near,  and  stood  before  him  :  he,  behind, 


3S0  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.         Book  XI. 

Sat  down  protected,  and  from  out  Iris  foot 
The  arrow  drew  ;  whereat  sharp  anguish  shot 
Through  all  his  flesh  ;  and  mounting  on  his  car 
He  bade  his  faithful  charioteer  in  haste  460 

Drive  to  the  ships,  for  pain  weigh'd  down  his  soul. 
Alone  Ulysses  stood  ;  of  all  the  Greeks 
Not  one  beside  him ;  all  were  panic-struck  : 
Then  with  his  spirit,  perturb'd,  he  commun'd  thus  : 
"  Me  miserable  !  which  way  shall  I  choose  ?  465 

'Twere  ill  indeed  that  I  should  turn  to  flight 
By  hostile  numbers  daunted  ;  yet  'twere  worse 
Here  to  be  caught  alone ;  and  Saturn's  son 
With  panic  fear  the  other  Greeks  hath  fill'd. 
Yet  why,  my  soul,  admit  such,  thoughts  as  these  ?  470 
I  know  that  cowards  from  the  battle  fly  ; 
But  lie  who  boasts  a  warrior's  name,  must  learn, 
Wounded  or  wounding,  firmly  still  to  stand." 
While  in  his  mind  and  spirit  thus  he  mus'd, 
Onward  the  buckler'd  ranks  of  Trojans  came,         475 
And,  to  their  harm,  encircled  him  around. 
As  when  a  boar,  by  clogs  and  stalwart  youths 
Attack'd,  the  shelt'ring  thicket  leaves,  and  whets 


Book  XL         HOMER'S      ILIAD.  3S1 

The  tusks  that  gleam  between  his  curved  jaws  ; 

They  crowd  around,  though  ring  his  clatt'ring  tusks, 

And,  fearful  though  it  be,  await  his  rush  :  481. 

So  crowded  round  Ulysses,  dear  to  Jove, 

The  Trojans  ;  he,  with  brandish.' d  spear  aloft, 

Sprang  forth,  and  through  the  shoulder,  from  above, 

Deiopites  wounded :  Thoon  next  485 

He  slew,  and  Ennomus  ;  then  with  his  spear 

Chersidamas,  in  act  to  quit  his  car, 

Thrust  through  the  loins  below  his  bossy  shield  : 

Prone  in  the  dust,  he  clutch'd  the  blood-stain'd  soil. 

From  these  he  turn'd ;  and  wounded  with  his  spear 

Charops,  the  high-born  Socus'  brother,  son  491 

Of  Hippasus  ;  then  forward  sprang,  to  aid 

His  brother,  godlike  Socus  ;  close  he  stood 

Before  Ulysses,  and  address'd  him  thus  : 

"  Far-fam'd  Ulysses,  as  in  arms,  in  Aviles  495 

Unwearied,  thou  this  day  o'er  both  the  sons 

Of  Hippasus,  two  mighty  warriors  slain, 

And  of  their  armour  spoil'd,  shalt  make  thy  boast, 

Or  by  my  spear  thyself  shalt  lose  thy  life." 

He  said,  and  on  the  shield's  broad  circle  struck  :    500 


382  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  Book  XI 

Through  the  bright  shield  the  sturdy  weapon  drove, 

And  through  the  rich- wrought  baldrick,  from  the  ribs 

Tearing  the  flesh  away  ;  but  Pallas  seiz'd, 

And  turn'd  it  from  the  vital  parts  aside. 

The  wound,  Ulysses  knew,  was  not  to  death,  505 

And  back  he  drew,  and  thus  to  Socus  cried  : 

"  Ill-fated  thou  !  thy  doom  hath  found  thee  now ; 
Me  hast  thou  hinder' d  from  the  war  awhile  ; 
But  thee  to  swift  destruction  and  dark  death. 
This  day  I  doom  :  great  glory,  of  thee  subdued,     510 
Shall  I  obtain,  and  Hades  take  thy  soul." 

Tims  he :  and  Socus,  turning,  sought  to  fly  ; 
But  as  he  turn'd  him  round,  Ulysses'  spear 
Behind  his  neck,  between  the  shoulder  blades 
Was  driv'n,  and  through  his  chest ;  thund'ring  he  fell, 
And  o'er  his  fall  Ulysses,  vaunting,  thus  :  516 

"  Socus,  thou  son  of  warlike  Hippasus, 
Here  hast  thou  found,  nor  couldst  escape,  thy  doom. 
Ill-fated  thou  !  nor  sire's  nor  mother's  hand 
Shall  gather  up  thy  bones,  but  carrion  birds  520 

O'er  thee  shall  flap  their  baleful  wings,  and  tear 
Thy  mangled  flesh  ;  for  me,  whene'er  I  die 


Book  XL         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  383 

The  sons  of  Greece  will  build  my  fun'ral  pile." 

From  out  his  flesh,  and  from  the  bossy  shield, 

The  spear  of  Socus,  as  he  spoke,  he  drew ;  525 

And  as  he  drew  it  forth,  out  gush'd  his  blood, 

With  anguish  keen.     The  Trojans,  when  they  saw 

Ulysses'  blood,  with  clam'rous  shouts  advanc'd 

Promiscuous  ;  he,  retiring,  shouted  loud 

To  call  his  comrades  ;  loud  as  head  of  man  530 

Could  bear,  he  shouted  thrice  ;  and  thrice  his  shout 

The  warlike  Menelaus  heard,  and  thus 

To  Ajax,  standing  by  his  side,  he  spoke  : 

"  Ajax,  thou  Heav'n-born  son  of  Telamon, 
Great  chief  of  men,  methinks  I  hear  the  voice        535 
Of  stout  Ulysses,  as  though  left  alone, 
And  in  the  stubborn  fight  cut  off  from  aid, 
By  Trojans  overmaster'd.     Haste  we  then, 
For  so  'twere  best,  to  give  him  present  aid. 
Brave  though  he  be,  yet  left  alone,  I  fear  540 

Great  cause  we  Greeks  may  have  to  mourn  his  loss." 

He  spoke,  and  led  the  way  ;  the  godlike  chief 
Follow'd  his  steps  :  Ulysses,  dear  to  Jove, 
Surrounded  by  the  Trojan  host  they  found, 


384  HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  Book  XL 

As  hungry  jackals  on  the  mountain  side  545 

Around  a  stag,  that  from  an -archer's  hand 

Hath  taken  hurt,  yet  while  his  blood  was  warm 

And  limbs  yet  serv'd,  has  baffled  his  pursuit ; 

Cut  when  the  fatal  shaft  has  drain'd  his  strength, 

Thirsting  for  blood,  beneath  the  forest  shade,  550 

The  jackals  seize  their  victim  ;  then  if  chance 

A  hungry  lion  pass,  the  jackals  shrink 

In  terror  back,  while  he  devours  the  prey  ; 

So  round  Ulysses,  sage  in  council,  press'd 

The  Trojans,  many  and  brave,  yet  nobly  he  555 

Averted,  spear  in  hand,  the  fatal  hour  ; 

Till,  with  his  tow'r-like  shield  before  him  borne, 

Appear'd  great  Ajax,  and  beside  him  stood. 

Hither  and  thither  then  the  Trojans  fled  ; 

While  with  supporting  arm  from  out  the  crowd     560 

The  warlike  Menelaus  led  him  forth, 

Till  his  attendant  with  his  car  drew  near. 

Then  Ajax,  on  the  Trojans  springing,  slew 

Doryclus,  royal  Priam's  bastard  son  ; 

Next  Pyrasus  he  smote,  and  Pandocus,  565 

Lysander,  and  Pylartes  ;  as  a  stream, 


book  XI.  HOMER'S    ILIAD.  385 

SwoU'n  by  the  rains  of  Heav'n,  that  from  the  hills 

Pours  down  its  wintry  torrent  on  the  plain  ; 

And  many  a  blighted  oak,  and  many  a  pine 

It  bears,  with  piles  of  drift-wood,  to  the  sea  ■         570 

So  swept  illustrious  Ajax  o'er  the  plain, 

O'erthrowing  men  and  horses  ;  though  unknown 

To  Hector  ;  he,  upon  Scamander's  banks 

"Was  warring  on  the  field's  extremest  left, 

Where  round  great  Nestor  and  the  warlike  King  575 

Idomeneus,  while  men  were  falling  fast, 

Rose,  irrepressible,  the  battle  cry. 

Hector,  'mid  these,  was  working  wondrous  deeds, 

With  spear  and  car,  routing  th'  opposed  youth  ; 

Yet  had  the  Greeks  ev'n  so  their  ground  maintain'd, 

But  godlike  Paris,  fair-hair'd  Helen's  Lord,  581 

Through  the  right  shoulder,  with  a  three-barb'd  shaft, 

As  in  the  front  he  fought,  Machaon  quell'd  : 

For  him  the  warrior  Greeks  were  sore  afraid 

Lest  he,  as  back  the  line  of  battle  roll'd,  585 

Might  to  the  foe  be  left ;  to  Nestor  then 

Idomeneus  address'd  his  speech,  and  said  : 

"  0  Nestor,  son  of  Neleus,  pride  of  Greece, 

2a 

VOL.   T. 


380  HOMER'S     ILIAD.         Book  XI. 

Haste  thee  to  mount  thy  car,  and  with  thee  take 
Machaon ;  tow'rd  the  vessels  urge  with  speed         590 
The  flying  steeds  ;  worth  many  a  life  is  his, 
The  skilful  leech,  who  knows,  with  practis'd  hand, 
T'  extract  the  shaft,  and  healing  drugs  apply." 

He  said  :  Gerenian  Nestor  at  the  word 
Mounted  his  car,  Machaon  at  his  side,  595 

The  skilful  leech,  sage  iEsculapius'  son  : 
He  touch'd  his  horses  ;  tow'rd  the  Grecian  ships, 
As  was  his  purpose,  nothing  loth,  they  flew. 

To  Hector  then  Cebriones,  who  saw 
Confus'd  the  Trojans'  right,  drew  near,  and  said  :  600 

"  Hector,  we  here,  on  th'  outskirts  of  the  field, 
O'erpow'r  the  Greeks  ;  on  th'  other  side,  our  friends 
In  strange  confusion  mingled,  horse  and  man, 
Are  driv'n  ;  among  them  Ajax  spreads  dismay, 
The  son  of  Telamon  ;  I  know  him  well,  605 

And  the  broad  shield  that  o'er  his  shoulders  hangs  ; 
Thither  direct  we  then  our  car,  where  most 
In  mutual  slaughter  horse  and  foot  engage, 
And  loudest  swells,  uncheck'd,  the  battle  cry." 

He  said,  and  with  the  pliant  lash  he  touch'd      610 


Book  XL  HOIEE'S     ILIAD.  3S7 

The  sleek-skinn'd  horses ;  springing  at  the  sound, 

Between  the  Greeks  and  Trojans,  light  they  "bore 

The  flying  car,  o'er  bodies  of  the  slain 

And  broken  bucklers  trampling  ;  all  beneath 

Was  plash'd  with  blood  the  axle,  and  the  rails        615 

Around  the  car,  as  from  the  horses'  feet, 

And  from  the  felloes  of  the  wheels,  were  thrown 

The  bloody  gouts  ;  yet  on  he  sped,  to  join 

The  strife  of  men,  and  break  th'  opposing  ranks. 

His  coming  spread  confusion  'mid  the  Greeks,        620 

His  spear  awhile  withheld ;  then  through  the  rest, 

"With  sword,  and  spear,  andpond'rous  stones  he  rush'd, 

But  shunn'd  the  might  of  Ajax  Telamon. 

But  Jove,  high  thron'd,  the  soul  of  Ajax  fill'd 
With  fear  ;  aghast  he  stood  ;  his  sev'nfold  shield     625 
He  threw  behind  his  back,  and,  trembling,  gaz'd 
Upon  the  crowd ;  then,  like  some  beast  of  prey, 
Foot  slowly  following  foot,  reluctant  turn'd. 
As  when  the  rustic  youths  and  dogs  have  driv'n 
A  tawny  lion  from  the  cattle  fold,  630 

Watching  all  night,  and  baulk'd  him  of  his  prey ; 
Bav'ning  for  flesh,  he  still  th'  attempt  renews, 


388  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.         Book  XI 

But  still  in  vain  :  for  many  a  jav'lin,  lrarl'd 

By  vig'rous  arms,  confronts  him  to  his  face, 

And  blazing  faggots,  that  his  courage  daunt ;        C35 

Till,  with  the  dawn,  reluctant  he  retreat : 

So  from  before  the  Trojans  Ajax  turn'd, 

Reluctant,  fearing  for  the  ships  of  Greece. 

As  near  a  field  of  corn,  a  stubborn  ass, 

Upon  whose  sides  had  many  a  club  been  broke,      640 

O'erpow'rs  his  boyish  guides,  and  ent'ring  in, 

On  the  rich  forage  grazes  ;  while  the  boys 

Their  cudgels  ply,  but  vain  their  puny  strength, 

Yet  drive  him  out,  when  fully  fed,  with  ease  : 

Ev'n  so  great  Ajax,  son  of  Telamon,  645 

The  valiant  Trojans  and  their  fam'd  Allies, 

Still  thrusting  at  his  shield,  before  them  drove  : 

Yet  would  he  sometimes,  rallying,  hold  in  check 

The  Trojan  host ;  then  turn  again  to  flight, 

Yet  barring  still  the  passage  to  the  ships.  650 

Midway  between  the  Trojans  and  the  Greeks 

He  stood  defiant ;  many  jav'lins,  hurl'd 

By  vig'rous  arms,  were  in  their  flight  receiv'd 

On  his  broad  shield  ;  and  many,  ere  they  reach'd 


Book  XL         HOMEE'S      ILIAD.  389 

Their  living  mark,  fell  midway  on  the  plain,  655 

Fix'd  in  the  ground,  in  vain  athirst  for  blood. 

Him  thus,  hard  press'd  by  thick-thrown  spears,  beheld 

Eurypylus,  Eusemon's  noble  son. 

He  hasten'd  up,  and  aim'd  his  glitt'ring  spear ; 

And  Apisaon,  Phausias'  noble  son,  660 

Below  the  midriff  through  the  liver  struck, 

And  straight  relax'd  in  sudden  death  his  limbs. 

Forth  sprang  Eurypylus  to  seize  the  spoils  : 

But  godlike  Paris  saw,  and  as  he  stoop'd 

From  Apisaon's  corpse  to  strip  his  arms,  665 

Against  Eurypylus  he  bent  his  bow, 

And  his  right  thigh  transfixed  ;  the  injur'd  limb 

Disabling,  in  the  wound  the  arrow  broke. 

He  'mid  his  friends,  escaping  death,  withdrew, 

And  to  the  Greeks  with  piercing  shout  he  call'd  :  670 

"  O  Mends,  the  chiefs  and  councillors  of  Greece, 
Turn  yet  again,  and  from  the  doom  of  death 
Great  Ajax  save,  hard  press'd  by  hostile  spears  : 
Scarce  can  I  hope  he  may  escape  with  life 
The  desp'rate  fight  ;  yet  bravely  stand,  and  aid     675 
The  mighty  Ajax,  son  of  Telamou=" 


390  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  Book  XL 

Thus  spoke  the  wounded  hero  :  round  him  they 
"With  sloping  shields  and  spears  uplifted  stood  : 
Ajax  to  meet  them  came  ;  and  when  he  reach'd 
The  friendly  ranks,  again  he  turn'd  to  hay.  6S0 

So  rag'd,  like  blazing  fire,  the  furious  fight. 

Meanwhile  the  mares  of  Neleus,  drench' d  with  sweat, 
Bore  Nestor  and  Machaon  from  the  field  ; 
Achilles  saw,  and  mark'd  them  where  he  stood 
Upon  his  lofty  vessel's  prow,  and  watch'd  685 

The  grievous  toil,  the  lamentable  rout. 
Then  on  his  friend  Patroclus  from  the  ship 
He  call'd  aloud  ;  he  heard  his  voice,  and  forth, 
As  Mars  majestic,  from  the  tent  he  came: 
(That  day  commenc'd  his  evil  destiny)  G90 

And  thus  Mencetius'  noble  son  began  : 

"Why  call'st thoume?  whatwouldst  thou, Peleus'son  V} 
To  whom  Achilles,  swift  of  foot,  replied  : 
"  Son  of  Mencetius,  dearest  to  my  soul, 
Soon  must  the  suppliant  Greeks  before  me  kneel,  695 
So  insupportable  is  now  their  need. 
But  haste  thee  now,  Patroclus,  dear  to  Jove  : 
Enquire  of  ISTestor,  from  the  battle  field 


book  XI.        HOMER'S    ILIAD.  391 

Whom  brings  lie  wounded  ;  looking  from  beliind 
Most  like  he  seem'd  to  iEsculapius'  son,  700 

Machaon  ;  but  his  face  I  could  not  see, 
So  swiftly  past  the  eager  horses  new." 

He  said  :  obedient  to  his  friend's  command, 
Quick  to  the  tents  and  ships  Patroclus  ran. 

They,  when  they  reach'd  the  tent  of  Neleus'  son,  705 
Descended  to  the  ground ;  Eurymedon 
The  old  man's  mares  unharness'd  from  the  car, 
While  on  the  beach  they  fac'd  the  cooling  breeze, 
Which  from  their  garments  dried  the  sweat ;  then 

turn'd, 
And  in  the  tent  on  easy  seats  repos'd.  710 

For  them  the  fair-hair'd  Hecamede  mix'd 
A  cordial  potion  ;  her  from  Tenedos, 
When  by  Achilles  ta'en,  the  old  man  brought ; 
Daughter  of  great  Arsinous,  whom  the  Greeks 
On  him,  their  sagest  councillor,  bestow'd.  715 

Before  them  first  a  table  fair  she  spread, 
Well  polish'd,  and  with  feet  of  solid  bronze  ; 
On  this  a  brazen  canister  she  plac'd, 
f     And  onions,  as  a  relish  to  the  wine, 


392  HOMER'S      ILIAD.         Book  XL 

And  pale  clear  honey,  and  pure  barley  meal  :         720 

By  these  a  splendid  goblet,  which  from  home 

Th'  old  man  had  brought,  with  golden  studs  adorn'd : 

Four  were  its  handles,  and  round  each  two  doves 

Appear'd  to  feed  ;  at  either  end,  a  cup. 

Scarce  might  another  move  it  from  the  board,        725 

"When  full ;  but  aged  Nestor  rais'd  with  ease. 

In  this,  their  goddess-like  attendant  first 

A  gen'rous  measure  mix'd  of  Pramnian  wine  : 

Then  with  a  brazen  grater  shredded  o'er 

The  goatsmilk  cheese,  and  whitest  barley  meal,     730 

And  of  the  draught  compounded  bade  them  drink. 

They  drank,  and  then,  reliev'd  the  parching  thirst, 

With  mutual  converse  entertain'd  the  hour. 

Before  the  gate  divine  Patroclus  stood  : 

The  old  man  saw,  and  from  his  seat  arose,  735 

And  took  him  by  the  hand. and  led  him  in, 

And  bade  him  sit ;  but  he,  refusing,  said  : 

"  ISTo  seat  for  me,  thou  venerable  sire  ! 
I  must  not  stay ;  for  he  both  awe  and  fear 
Commands,  who  hither  sent  me  to  enquire  740 

"What  wounded  man  thou  hast ;  I  need  not  ask, 


Book  XL         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  393 

I  know  Machaon  well,  his  people's  guard. 

My  errand  done,  I  must  my  message  bear 

Back  to  Achilles  ;  and  thou  know'st  thyself, 

Thou  venerable  sire,  how  stern  his  mood  :  745 

Nay  sometimes  blames  he,  where  no  blame  is  due  " 

To  whom  Gerenian  JSTestor  thus  replied : 
"  Whence  comes  Achilles'  pity  for  the  Greeks 
By  Trojan  weapons  wounded  ?  knows  he  not 
What  depth  of  suff 'ring  through  the  camp  prevails  % 
How  in  the  ships,  by  arrow  or  by  spear  751 

Sore  wounded,  all  our  best  and  bravest  lie  ? 
The  valiant  son  of  Tydeus,  Diomed, 
Pierc'd  by  a  shaft ;  Ulysses  by  a  spear, 
And  Agamemnon's  self;  Eurypylus  755 

By  a  sharp  arrow  through  the  thigh  transfix'd  ; 
And  here  another,  whom  but  now  I  bring, 
Shot  by  a  bow,  from  off  the  battle  field : 
Achilles,  valiant  as  he  is,  the  while 
For  Grecian  woes  nor  care  nor  pity  feels. 
Waits  he,  until  our  ships  beside  the  sea, 
In  our  despite,  are  burnt  by  hostile  fires, 
And  we  be  singly  slain  ?  not  mine  is  now 


7G0 


394  HOMEK'S     ILIAD.  Book  XI. 

The  strength.  I  boasted  once  of  active  limbs, 

0  that  such  youth  and  vigour  yet  were  mine,  765 
As  when  about  a  cattle-lifting  raid 

"We  fought  th'  Eleans  ;  there  Itymoneus 

1  slew,  the  son  of  brave  Hyperochus, 
Who  dwelt  in  Elis  ;  and  my  booty  drove. 

He  sought  to  guard  the  herd  ;  but  from  my  hand  770 

A  jav'lin  struck  him  in  the  foremost  ranks  : 

He  fell,  and  terror  seiz'd  the  rustic  crowd. 

Abundant  store  of  plunder  from  the  plain 

We  drove  :  of  horned  cattle  fifty  herds  ; 

As  many  flocks  of  sheep,  as  many  droves  775 

Of  swine,  as  many  wide-spread  herds  of  goats, 

And  thrice  so  many  golden-chesnut  mares, 

The  foals  of  many  running  with  their  dams. 

To  Pylos,  Neleus'  city,  these  we  drove 

By  night ;  and  much  it  gladden'd  Neleus'  heart,  780 

That  I,  though  new  to  war,  such  prize  had  won. 

When  morn  appear'd,  the  clear-voic'd  heralds  call'd 

For  all  to  whom  from  Elis  debts  were  due  ; 

Collected  thus,  the  Pylians'  leading  men 

Division  made  :  for  Elis  ow'd  us  much  ;  785 


Book  XL         HOMER'S     ILIAD.  395 

Such  wrongs  we  few  in  Pylos  had  sustain'd. 

The  might  of  Hercules  in  former  years 

Had  storm'd  our  town,  and  all  our  bravest  slain. 

Twelve  gallant  sons  had  Keleus  ;  I  of  these 

Alone  was  left ;  the  others  all  were  gone.  790 

Whence  over-proud,  th'  Epeians  treated  us 

With  insult,  and  high-handed  violence. 

A  herd  of  oxen  now,  and  num'rous  flock 

Of  sheep,  th'  old  man  selected  for  himself, 

Three  hundred,  with  their  shepherds  ;  for  to  him  795 

Large  compensation  was  from  Elis  due. 

Train'd  to  the  course,  four  horses,  with  their  cars, 

He  for  the  Tripod  at  th'  Elean  games 

Had  sent  to  run  ;  these  Augeas,  King  of  men, 

Detain'd,  and  bade  the  drivers  home  return,  800 

Bootless,  and  grieving  for  their  horses'  loss. 

Th'  old  man  his  words  resenting,  and  his  acts, 

Large  spoils  retain' d  ;  the  rest  among  the  crowd 

He  shar'd,  that  none  might  lose  his  portion  due. 

These  we  dispos'd  of  soon,  and  to  the  Gocls  805 

Due  off 'rings  made  ;  but  when  the  third  day  rose, 

Back  in  all  haste,  in  numbers,  horse  and  foot, 


396  HOMER'S     ILIAD.  Book  XL 

Our  foes  return' d  ;  with  them  the  Molion  twins, 

Yet  boys,  mitutor'd  in  the  arts  of  war. 

Far  off,  by  Alpheus'  banks,  th'  extremest  verge     810 

Of  sandy  Pylos,  is  a  lofty  mound, 

The  city  of  Thryum  ;  which  around,  intent 

To  raze  its  walls,  their  army  was  encamp'd. 

The  plain  already  they  had  overspread  ; 

"When  Pallas  from  Olympus'  heights  came  down    815 

In  haste,  and  bade  us  all  prepare  for  war. 

On  no  unwilling  ears  her  message  fell, 

But  eager  all  for  light ;  but  me,  to  arm 

ISTeleus  forbade,  and  e'en  my  horses  hid, 

Deeming  me  yet  unripe  for  deeds  of  war.  820 

Yet  so,  albeit  on  foot,  by  Pallas'  grace 

A  name  I  gain'd  above  our  noblest  horse. 

There  is  a  river,  Minyis  by  name, 

Hard  by  Arene,  flowing  to  the  sea, 

"Where  we,  the  Pylian  horse,  expecting  morn,         825 

Encamp'd,  by  troops  of  footmen  quickly  join'd. 

Thence  in  all  haste  advancing,  all  in  arms, 

We  reach'd,  by  midday,  Alpheus'  sacred  stream. 

There,  to  o'erruling  Jove  our  off  'rings  made, 


Book  XI.         HOMEE'S      ILIAD.  397 

To  Alpheus  and  to  Neptune  each  a  bull,  830 

To  Pallas,  blue-ey'd  Maid,  a  heifer  fair, 

In  order'd  ranks  we  took  our  ev'ning  meal, 

And  each  in  arms  upon  the  river's  brink 

Lay  down  to  rest ;  for  close  beside  us  lay 

Th'  Epeians,  on  the  town's  destruction  bent.  835 

Then  saw  they  mighty  deeds  of  war  display'd  ; 

For  we,  as  sunlight  overspread  the  earth, 

To  Jove  and  Pallas  praying,  battle  gave. 

But  when  the  Pylians  and  th'  Epeians  met, 

I  first  a  warrior  slew,  and  seiz'd  his  car,  840 

Bold  spearman,  Mulius  ;  Augeas'  son-in-law, 

His  eldest  daughter's  husband,  Agamede, 

The  yellow-hair'd,  who  all  the  virtues  knew 

Of  each  medicinal  herb  the  wide  world  grows. 

Him,  with  my  brass-tipp'd  spear,  as  on  he  came,    845 

I  slew ;  he  fell ;  I,  rushing  to  his  car, 

Stood  'mid  the  foremost  ranks  ;  th'  Epeians  brave 

Fled  diverse,  when  they  saw  their  champion  fall, 

Chief  of  their  horsemen,  foremost  in  the  fight. 

"With  the  dark  whirlwind's  force,!  onward  rush'd,  850 

And  fifty  cars  I  took ;  two  men  in  each 


398  HOMER'S     ILIAD.        Book  XI 

Fell  to  my  spear,  and  bit  the  bloody  dust. 

Then  Actor's  sons,  the  Molions,  had  I  slain, 

Had  not  tli'  Earth-shaking  God,  their  mighty  sire, 

Veil'd  in  thick  cloud,  withdrawn  them  from  the  field  ; 

Then  Jove  great  glory  to  the  Pylians  gave.  856 

For  o'er  the  wide-spread  plain  we  held  pursuit, 

Slaying,  and  gath'ring  up  the  scatter'd  arms, 

Nor  till  corn-clad  Buprasium,  and  the  rock 

Olenian,  and  Alesium,  term'd  the  Mound,  860 

Stay'd  we  our  steeds  ;  there  Pallas  bade  us  turn. 

There  the  last  man  I  slew,  and  left ;  the  Greeks 

Back  from  Buprasium  drove  their  flying  cars 

To  Pylos,  magnifying  all  the  name, 

'Mid  men,  of  Nestor,  as  'mid  Gods,  of  Jove.  865 

Such  once  was  I  'mid  men,  while  yet  I  was  ; 

Now  to  himself  alone  Achilles  keeps 

His  valour ;  yet  hereafter,  when  the  Greeks 

Have  perish'd  all,  remorse  shall  touch  his  soul. 

Dear  friend,  remember  now  th'  injunctions  giv'n    870 

By  old  Mencetius,  when  from  Phthian  land 

He  sent  thee  forth  to  Agamemnon's  aid  : 

I,  and  Laertes'  godlike  son,  within, 


Book  XI.         HOMEK'S    ILIAD.  399 

Heard  all  his  counsel ;  to  the  well-built  house 

Of  Peleus  we  on  embassy  had  come,  875 

Throughout  Achaia's  fertile  lands  to  raise 

The  means  of  war  ;  Menoetius  there  we  found, 

Achilles,  and  thyself  within  the  house  ; 

While  in  the  court-yard  aged  Peleus  slew, 

And  to  the  Lord  of  thunder  offer' d  up  880 

A  fatten'd  steer ;  and  from  a  golden  bowl 

O'er  the  burnt-off  'ring  pour'd  the  ruddy  wine. 

We  two,  while  ye  were  busied  with  the  flesh, 

Stood  at  the  gate ;  surpris'd,  Achilles  rose. 

And  took  us  by  the  hand,  and  bade  us  sit,  885 

Dispensing  all  the  hospitable  rites. 

With  food  and  wine  recruited,  I  began 

My  speech,  and  urg'd  ye  both  to  join  the  war  : 

Kor  were  ye  loth  to  go  ;  much  sage  advice 

Your  elders  gave  ;  old  Peleus  bade  his  son  890 

To  aim  at  highest  honours,  and  surpass 

His  comrades  all ;  Menoetius,  Actor's  son, 

To  thee  this  counsel  gave  :  '  My  son,'  he  said, 

'  Achilles  is  by  birth  above  thee  far  ; 

Thou  art  in  years  the  elder  ;  he  in  strength  895 


400  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.         Book  XI 

Surpasses  thee  ;  do  thou  with  prudent  words 
And  timely  speech  address  him,  and  advise 
And  guide  him  ;  he  will,  to  his  good,  obey.' 

'  Such  were  the  old  man's  words  ;  but  thou  hast  let 
His  counsel  slip  thy  mem'ry ;  yet  ev'n  now  900 

Speak  to  Achilles  thus,  and  stir  his  soul, 
If  haply  he  will  hear  thee  ;  and  who  knows 
But  by  the  grace  of  Heav'n  thou  mayst  prevail  ? 
For  great  is  oft  a  friend's  persuasive  pow'r. 
But  if  the  fear  of  evil  prophesied,  905 

Or  message  by  his  Goddess-mother  brought 
From  Jove,  restrain  him,  let  him  send  thee  forth 
"With  all  his  force  of  warlike  Myrmidons, 
That  thou  mayst  be  the  saving  light  of  Greece. 
Then  let  him  bid  thee  to  the  battle  bear  910 

His  glitt'ring  arms  ;  if  so  the  men  of  Troy, 
Scar'd  by  his  likeness,  may  forsake  the  field, 
And  breathing-time  afford  the  sons  of  Greece, 
Toil-worn  ;  for  little  pause  has  yet  been  theirs. 
Fresh  and  unwearied,  ye  with  ease  may  drive        915 
To  their  own  city,  from  our  ships  and  tents, 
The  Trojans,  worn  and  battle-wearied  men." 


Book  XL        HOMER'S    ILIAD.  401 

Thus  lie  ;  Patroclus'  spirit  within  him  burn'd, 
And  tow'rd  Achilles'  tent  in  haste  he  sped. 
But,  running,  as  Ulysses'  ship  he  pass'd,  920 

Where  was  the  Council  and  the  Justice-seat, 
And  where  were  "built  the  altars  of  the  Gods, 
There  met  him,  halting  from  the  battle-field, 
Shot  through  the  thigh,  Eusemon's  Heav'n-born  son, 
Eurypylus ;  his  head  and  shoulders  dank  925 

With  clammy  sweat,  while  from  his  grievous  wound 
Stream'd  the  dark  blood  ;  yet  firm  was  still  his  soul. 
Menoetius'  noble  son  with  pity  saw, 
And  deeply  sorrowing  thus  address'd  the  chief : 

"  Woe  for  the  chiefs  and  councillors  of  Greece  !  930 
And  must  ye,  far  from  friends  and  native  home, 
Glut  with  your  flesh  the  rav'ning  dogs  of  Troy  ? 
Yet  tell  me  this,  Heav'n-born  Eurypylus  : 
Still  do  the  Greeks  'gainst  Hector's  giant  force 
Make  head  ?  or  fall  they,  vanquish'd  by  his  spear  ?" 

To  whom  with  prudent  s£>eech,  Eurypylus  :        930 

"  JSTo  source,  Heav'n-born  Patroclus,  have  the  Greeks, 

Of  aid,  but  all  must  perish  by  their  ships  : 

For  in  the  ships  lie  all  our  bravest  late, 

VOL.   i.  2B 


402  HOMER'S     ILIAD.        Book  XI. 

By  spear  or  arrow  struck,  by  Trojan  hands  ;  940 

And  fiercer,  hour  by  hour,  their  onset  grows. 

But  save  me  now,  and  lead  me  to  the  ships ; 

There  cut  the  arrow  out,  and  from  the  wound 

With  tepid  water  cleanse  the  clotted  blood  : 

Then  soothing  drugs  apply,  of  healing  pow'r,         945 

"Which  from  Achilles,  thou,  'tis  said,  hast  learn'd, 

From  Chiron,  justest  of  the  Centaurs,  he. 

For  Podalirius   and  Machaon  both, 

Our  leeches,  one  lies  wounded  in  the  tents, 

Himself  requiring  sore  the  leech's  aid ;  950 

The  other  on  the  plain  still  dares  the  fight." 

To  whom  again  Menostius'  noble  son  : 
"  How  may  this  be  ?  say,  brave  Eurypylus, 
What  must  I  do  ?  a  messenger  am  I, 
Sent  by  Gerenian  Nestor,  prop  of  Greece,  955 

With  tidings  to  Achilles  ;  yet  ev'n  so 
I  will  not  leave  thee  in  this  weary  plight." 

He  said,  and  passing  his  supporting  hand 
Beneath  his  breast,  the  wounded  warrior  led 
Within  the  tent ;  th'  attendant  saw,  and  spread     960 
The  ox-hide  couch ;  then  as  he  lay  reclin'd, 


Book  XL        HOMER'S     ILIAD.  403 

Patroclus,  with  his  dagger,  from  the  thigh 

Cut  out  the  biting  shaft ;  and  from  the  wound 

"With  tepid  water  cleans'd  the  clotted  blood  ; 

Then,  pounded  in  his  hands,  a  root  applied  965 

Astringent,  anodyne,  which  all  his  pain 

Allay'd  ;  the  wound  was  dried,  and  stanch'd  the  blood. 


ARGUMENT. 

THE  BATTLE  AT  THE  GEECIAN  WALL. 

The  Greeks  naving  retired  into  their  entrenchments,  Hector  attempts 
to  force  them  ;  hut  it  proving  impossible  to  pass  the  ditch,  Poly- 
damas  advises  to  quit  their  chariots,  and  manage  the  attack  on 
foot.  The  Trojans  follow  his  counsel,  and  having  divided  their 
army  into  five  bodies  of  foot,  begin  the  assault.  But  upon  the 
signal  of  an  eagle  with  a  serpent  in  his  talons,  which  appeared  on 
the  left  hand  of  the  Trojans,  Polydamas  endeavours  to  withdraw 
them  again.  This  Hector  opposes,  and  continues  the  attack ; 
in  which,  after  many  actions,  Sarpedon  makes  the  first  breach 
in  the  wall :  Hector  also,  casting  a  stone  of  a  vast  size,  forces 
open  one  of  the  gates,  and  enters  at  the  head  of  his  troops,  who 
victoriously  pursue  the  Grecians  even  to  their  ships. 


Book  XII.       HOMER'S     ILIAD.  407 


BOOK     XII. 

nnHUS  o'er  the  wounded  chief  Emypylus 

Watch'd  in  his  tent  Menoetius'  noble  son  ; 
But  hand  to  hand  the  Greeks  and  Trojans  fought ; 
Nor  longer  might  the  ditch  th'  assault  repel, 
Nor  the  broad  wall  above,  which  Greets  had  built,  5 
To  guard  their  ships,  and  round  it  dug  the  ditch  ; 
But  to  the  Gods  no  hecatombs  had  paid, 
That  they  the  ships  and  all  the  stores  within 
Might  safely  keep  ;  against  the  will  of  Heav'n 
The  work  was  done,  and  thence  not  long  endur'd.  10 
While  Hector  liv'd,  and  Peleus'  son  his  wrath 
Eetain'd,  and  Priam's  city  untaken  stood ; 
So  long  the  Grecian  wall  remain'd  entire  : 
But  of  the  Trojans  when  the  best  had  fall'n, 
Of  Greeks,  when  some  were  slain,  some  yet  survivd ; 
When  the  tenth  year  had  seen  the  fall  of  Troy,        16 
And  Greeks,  embark'd,had  ta'en  their  homeward  way, 


408  HOMER'S     ILIAD.        Book  xn. 

Then  Neptune  and  Apollo  counsel  took 

To  sap  the  wall  by  aid  of  all  the  streams 

That  seaward  from  the  heights  of  Ida  flow  ;  20 

Rhesus,  Caresus,  and  Heptaporus, 

Granicus,  and  iEsepus,  Rhodiusj 

Scamander's  stream  divine,  and  Simois, 

Where  helms  and  shields  lay  buried  in  the  sand, 

And  a  whole  race  of  warrior  demigods :  25 

These  all  Apollo  to  one  channel  turn'd ; 

Nine  days  against  the  wall  the  torrent  beat ; 

And  Jove  sent  rain  continuous,  that  the  wall 

Might  sooner  be  submerg'd ;  while  Neptune's  self, 

His  trident  in  his  hand,  led  on  the  stream,  30 

"Washing  away  the  deep  foundations,  laid, 

Laborious,  by  the  Greeks,  with  logs  and  stones, 

Now  by  fast-flowing  Hellespont  dispers'd. 

The  wall  destroy'd,  o'er  all  the  shore  he  spread 

A  sandy  drift  ;  and  bade  the  streams  return  35 

To  where  of  old  their  silver  waters  flow'd. 

Such  were,  in  future  days,  to  be  the  works 

Of  Neptune  and  Apollo  ;  but  meanwhile; 

Fierce  rag'd  the  battle  round  the  firm-built  wall, 


Hook  XII.      HOMER'S      ILIAD 


•M!» 


And  frequent  clatter'd  on  the  turrets'  beams  40 

The  hostile  missiles :  by  the  scourge  of  Jove 

Subdued,  the  Greeks  beside  their  ships  were  hemm'd, 

By  Hector  scar'd,  fell  minister  of  Dread, 

Who  with  the  whirlwind's  force,  as  ever,  fouu'ht. 

As  when,  by  dogs  and  hunters  circled  round,  45 

A  boar,  or  lion,  in  his  pride  of  strength, 

Turns  on  his  foes,  while  they  in  close  array 

Stand  opposite,  and  frequent  shoot  their  darts  ; 

Nor  yet  his  spirit  quails,  but  firm  he  stands 

"With  suicidal  courage  ;  swift  he  turns,  50 

Where  best  to  break  the  circling  ranks  ;  where'er 

He  makes  his  rush,  the  circling  ranks  give  way  : 

So  Hector,  here  and  there,  amid  the  crowd, 

Urg'd  his  companions  on  to  cross  the  ditch  : 

The  fiery  steeds  shrank  back,  and,  snorting,  stood   55 

Upon  the  topmost  brink  ;  for  the  wide  ditch 

Withheld  them,  easy  nor  to  leap  nor  cross : 

For  steep  arose  on  either  side  the  banks, 

And  at  the  top  with  sharpen'd  stakes  were  crown'd, 

Thick-set  and  strong,  which  there  the  sons  of  Greece 

Had  planted,  to  repel  th'  invading  foes.  Gl 


410  HOMER'S     ILIAD.       Book  XII. 

Scarce  might  a  horse,  with  well-wheel' d  car  attach'd, 
Essay  the  passage  ;  but  on  foot  they  burn'd 
To  make  th'  attempt ;  and  thus  Polydamas, 
Approaching  near,  to  valiant  Hector  spoke  :  65 

"  Hector,  and  all  ye  other  chiefs  of  Troy, 
And  brave  Allies,  in  vain  we  seek  to  drive 
Our  horses  o'er  the  ditch ;  'tis  hard  to  cross ; 
'Tis  crown'd  with  pointed  stakes,  and  them  behind 
Is  built  the  Grecian  wall ;  there  to  descend  TO 

And  from  our  cars  in  narrow  space  to  fight 
Were  certain  ruin.     If  it  be  indeed 
The  will  of  Jove,  high-thund'ring,  to  confound 
The  Greeks  in  utter  rout,  and  us  to  aid, 
I  should  rejoice  that  ev'ry  Greek  forthwith  75 

Far  from  his  home  should  fill  a  nameless  grave  ; 
But  should  they  turn,  and  we  again  be  driv'n 
Back  from  the  ships,  and  hurried  down  the  ditch, 
Such  were  our  loss,  that  scarce  a  messenger 
Would  live  to  bear  the  tidings  to  the  town  80 

Of  our  destruction  by  the  rallied  Greeks. 
Hear  then  my  counsel ;  let  us  all  agree 
With  our  attendants  here  upon  the  bank 


Book  XII.        HOMER'S     ILIAD.  411 

To  leave  our  horses  ;  and  ourselves  on  foot. 

All  arm'd,  press  on  where  Hector  leads  ;  the  Greel 

If  that  their  doom  be  nigh,  will  make  no  stand."     86 

Thus  spoke  Polydamas ;  his  counsel  pleas'd  ; 
And  Hector  sprang,  in  arms,  from  off  his  car  ; 
Nor  long,  the  noble  Hector  when  they  saw, 
Delay'd  the  other  chiefs  ;  then  gave  command         90 
Each  to  his  own  attendant,  by  the  ditch 
To  keep  the  chariots  all  in  due  array ; 
Then  paiting,  form'd  in  order  of  attack, 
In  five  divisions,  with  their  sev'ral  chiefs. 
Round  Hector  throng'd,  and  bold  Polydamas,         95 
The  best  and  bravest ;  they  who  long'd  the  most 
To  storm  the  wall,  and  fight  beside  the  ships. 
With  them  Cebriones  ;  for  Hector  left, 
To  guard  the  horses,  one  of  lesser  note. 
The  next  division  was  by  Paris  led,  100 

Agenor,  and  Alcathous  ;  the  third 
By  Helenas,  and  brave  Deiphobus, 
Two  sons  of  Priam;  Asius  was  the  third, 
Asius,  the  son  of  Hyrtacus;  who  brought 
His  tow'ring  fiery  steeds  from  Selles'  stream,         105 


412  HOMER'S     ILIAD.       Book  XIL 

Hard  by  Arisba ;  stout  ^Eneas  led 

The  fourth,  Auchises'  son,  Archilochus 

With  him,  and  Acamas,  Antenor's  sons  ; 

Both  skill'd  alike  in  ev'ry  point  of  war. 

Of  the  far-fam'd  Allies,  Sarpedon  held  110 

The  chief  command  ;  and  for  his  comrades  chose 

Asteropseus,  and  the  warlike  might 

Of  Glaucus ;  these  o'er  all  the  rest  he  held 

Pre-eminent  in  valour,  save  himself, 

"Who  o'er  them  all  superior  stood  confess'd.  115 

These,  interlac'd  their  shields  of  tough  bull's-hide, 

"With  eager  step  advanc'd,  and  deem'd  the  Greeks 

Would,  unresisting,  fall  before  their  ships. 

The  other  Trojans  and  renown'd  Allies 

The  words  of  wise  Polydamas  obey'd  :  120 

But  Asius,  son  of  Hyrtacus,  refus'd 

His  horses  and  his  charioteer  to  leave, 

With  them  advancing  to  assail  the  ships. 

Blind  fool,  unconscious !  from  before  those  ships, 

Escap'd  from  death,  with  horses  and  with  car        125 

Triumphant,  to  the  breezy  heights  of  Troy 

He  never  shall  return  ;  ill-omen'd  fate 


Book  XII.       HOMER'S     ILIAD.  413 

O'ershadowing,  dooms  him  by  the  spear  to  fall 

Of  brave  Idomeneus,  Deucalion's  son. 

He  tow'rd  the  left  inclin'd,  what  way  the  Greeks  130 

With  horse  and  chariot  from  the  plain  return'd. 

That  way  he  drove  his  horses  ;  and  the  gates 

Unguarded  found  by  bolt  or  massive  bar. 

Their  warders  held  them  open'd  wide,  to  save 

Perchance  some  comrade,  flying  from  the  plain.     135 

Thither  he  bent  his  course ;  with  clamours  loud 

Follow1  d  his  troops  ;  nor  deem'd  they  that  the  Greeks 

Would  hold  their  ground,  but  fall  amid  their  ships. 

Little  they  knew ;  before  the  gates  they  found 

Two  men,  two  warriors  of  the  prime,  two  sons        140 

Illustrious  of  the  spear-skill'd  Lapithte  : 

Stout  Polypoetes  one,  Pirithous'  son, 

With  whom  Leonteus,  bold  as  blood-stain'd  Mars  : 

So  stood  these  two  before  the  lofty  gates, 

As  on  the  mountain  side  two  tow'ring  oaks,  145 

Which  many  a  day  have  borne  the  wind  and  storm, 

Firm  rifted  by  their  strong  continuous  roots  : 

So  in  their  arms  and  vigour  confident 

Those  two  great  Asms'  charge,  undaunted,  met. 


414  HOMEE'S      ILIAD.        Book  XIL 

On  th'  other  side,  with  shouts  and  wild  uproar,      150 
Their  bull's-hide  shields  uplifted  high,  advanc'd 
Against  the  well-built  wall,  Asius  the  King, 
Ianienus,  Orestes,  Acamas 
The  son  of  Asius,  and  GEnomaus, 
And  Thoon ;  those  within  to  save  the  ships  155 

Calling  meanwhile  on  all  the  well-greav'd  Greeks  ; 
But  when  they  saw  the  wall  by  Trojans  scal'd, 
And  heard  the  cry  of  Greeks  in  panic  fear, 
Sprang  forth  those  two,  before  the  gates  to  light. 
As  when  two  boars,  upon  the  mountain  side,  160 

Await  th'  approaching  din  of  men  and  dogs, 
Then  sideways  rushing,  snap  the  wood  around, 
Ripp'd  from  the  roots  ;  loud  clash  their  clatt'ring  tusks, 
Till  to  the  huntsman's  spear  they  yield  their  lives  ; 
So  clatter'd  on  those  champions'  brass-clad  breasts  165 
The  hostile  weapons  ;  stubbornly  they  fought, 
Relying  on  their  strength,  and  friends  above  : 
For  from  the  well-built  tow'rs  huge  stones  were  hurl'd 
By  those  who  for  themselves,  their  tents  and  ships, 
Maintain'd  defensive  warfare  ;  thick  they  fell,       170 
As  wintry  snow-flakes,  which  the  boist'rous  wind, 


Book  XIL         HOMER'S    ILIAD.  415 

Driving  the  shadowy  clouds,  spreads  fast  and  closo 

O'er  all  the  surface  of  the  fertile  earth : 

So  thick,' from  Grecian  aud  from.  Trojan  hands, 

The  weapons  flew ;  on  helm  and  bossy  shield         175 

With  grating  sound  the  pond'rous  masses  rang. 

Then  deeply  groaning,  as  he  smote  his  thigh 

Thus  spoke  dismay'd  the  son  of  Hyrtacus  : 

"  O  Father  Jove,  how  hast  thou  lov'd  our  hopes 

To  falsify,  who  deem'd  not  that  the  Greeks  180 

Would  stand  our  onset,  and  resistless  arms ! 

But  they,  as  yellow-banded  wasps,  or  bees, 

That  by  some  rocky  pass  have  built  their  nests, 

Abandon  not  their  cavern'd  home,  but  wait 

Th'  attack,  and  boldly  for  their  offspring  fight ;      185 

So  from  the  gates  these  two,  though  two  alone, 

Retire  not,  till  they  be  or  ta'en  or  slain." 

He  said  :  but  Jove  regarded  not  his  words  ; 
So  much  on  Hector's  triumph  he  was  bent. 
Like  battle  rag'd  round  th'  other  gates  ;  but  hard  190 
It  were  for  me,  with  godlike  pow'r  to  paint 
Each  sev'ral  combat ;  for  around  the  wall 
A  more  than  human  storm  of  stone  was  pour'd 


416  HOMER'S     ILIAD.        Book  XII. 

On  ev'ry  side  ;  the  Greeks,  hard  press'd,  perforce 

Fought  for  their  ships,  while  all  the  Gods  look'd  on 

Indignant,  who  the  Grecian  cause  upheld.  196 

Fiercely  the  Lapithee  sustain'd  the  war  : 

Stout  Polypostes  first,  Pirithous'  son, 

Smote,  through  the  hrass-cheek'd  helmet,  Damasus  ; 

Nor  stay'd  the  brazen  helm  the  spear,  whose  point 

"Went  crashing  through  the  bone,  that  all  the  brain 

"Was  shatter'd  ;  onward  as  he  rush'd,  he  fell.  202 

Then  Pylon  next,  and  Ormenus  he  slew : 

Meantime  Leonteus,  scion  true  of  Mars, 

Struck  with  unerring  spear  Hippomachus,  205 

Son  of  Antimachus,  below  the  waist ; 

Then,  drawing  from  the  sheath  his  trenchant  sword, 

Dash'd  through  the  crowd,  and  hand  to  hand  he  smote 

Antiphates  ;  he,  backward,  fell  to  earth. 

Menon,  Iamenus,  Orestes  next,  210 

In  quick  succession  to  the  ground  he  brought. 

From  these  while  they  their  glitt'ring  armour  stripp'd, 

Round  Hector  throng'd,  and  bold  Polydamas, 

The  bravest  and  the  best,  who  long'd  the  most 

To  storm  the  wall,  and  burn  with  fire  the  ships.    215 


Book  XII.        HOMER'S     ILIAD.  ji; 

Yet  on  the  margin  of  the  ditch  they  paus'd  ; 

For,  as  they  sought  to  cross,  a  sign  from  Ilcav'n 

Appear'd,  to  leftward  of  th'  astonish'd  crowd  ; 

A  soaring  eagle  in  his  talons  bore 

A  dragon,  huge  of  size,  of  blood-red  hue,  220 

Alive,  and  breathing  still,  nor  yet  subdued  ; 

For  twisting  backward  through  the  breast  he  pieroYl 

His  bearer,  near  the  neck;  he,  stung  with  pain, 

Let  fall  his  prey,  which  dropp'd  amid  the  crowd  ; 

Then  screaming,  on  the  blast  was  borne  away.       225 

The  Trojans,  shudd'ring,  in  their  midst  beheld 

The  spotted  serpent,  dire  portent  of  Jove  : 

Then  to  bold  Hector  thus  Polydamas  : 

"  Hector,  in  council  thou  reprov'st  me  oft 

For  good  advice  ;  it  is  not  meet,  thou  say'st,  230 

That  private  men  should  talk  beside  the  mark, 

In  council  or  in  war,  but  study  still 

Thine  honour  to  exalt ;  yet  must  I  now 

Declare  what  seems  to  me  the  wisest  course  : 

Let  us  not  fight  the  Greeks  beside  their  ships  ;      235 

For  thus  I  read  the  future,  if  indeed 

To  us,  about  to  cross,  this  sign  from  Heav'n 

VOL.  I.  ^ 


418  HOMER'S     ILIAD.       Book  XIL 

"Was  sent,  to  leftward  of  tli'  astonish'd  crowd  : 

A  soaring  eagle,  bearing  in  his  claws 

A  dragon,  huge  of  size,  of  blood-red  hue,  240 

Alive  ;  yet  dropp'd  hirn  ere  he  reach'd  his  home, 

ISTor  to  his  nestlings  bore  th'  intended  prey  : 

So  we,  e'en  though  our  mighty  strength  should  break 

The  gates  and  wall,  and  put  the  Greeks  to  rout, 

By  the  same  road  not  scatheless  should  return,      245 

But  many  a  Trojan  on  the  field  should  leave, 

Slain  by  the  Greeks,  while  they  their  ships  defend. 

So  would  a  seer,  well  vers'd  in  augury, 

"Worthy  of  public  credit,  read  this  sign." 

To  whom  thus  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm        250 
Replied,  with  stern  regard  :  "  Polydamas, 
This  speech  of  thine  is  alien  to  my  soul : 
Thy  better  judgment  better  counsel  knows. 
But  if  in  earnest  such  is  thine  advice, 
Thee  of  thy  senses  have  the  Gods  bereft,  255 

"Who  fain  wouldst  have  us  disregard  the  word 
And  promise  by  the  nod  of  Jove  confirm'd, 
And  put  our  faith  in  birds'  expanded  wings  ; 
Little  of  these  I  reck,  nor  care  to  look, 


SookXH.      HOMER'S     ILIAD.  n:. 

If  to  the  right,  and  tow'rd  the  morning  sun,  200 

Or  to  the  left,  and  shades  of  night,  they  fly. 
Put  we  our  trust  in  Jove's  eternal  will, 
Of  mortals  and  Immortals  King  supreme. 
The  best  of  omens  is  our  country's  cause. 
Why  shouldst  thou  tremble  at  the  battle  strife  \ 
Though  ev'ry  Trojan  else  were  doom'd  to  die 
Beside  the  ships,  no  fear  lest  thou  should-i  fall  : 
Unwarlike  is  thy  soul,  nor  firm  of  mood  : 
But  if  thou  shrink,  or  by  thy  craven  words 
Turn  back  another  Trojan  from  the  fight, 
My  spear  shall  take  the  forfeit  of  thy  life." 

This  said,  he  led  the  way ;  with  joyous  shouts 
They  folio w'd  all ;  then  Jove,  the  lightning's  Lord, 
From  Ida's  heights  a  storm  of  wind  sent  down. 
Driving  the  dust  against  the  Grecian  ships  ;  \i  7*> 

Which  quell'd  their  courage,  and  to  Hector  gave, 
And  to  the  Trojans,  fresh  incitement ;  they. 
On  their  own  strength,  and  heav'nly  signs  reiving, 
Their  force  address'd  to  storm  the  Grecian  wall. 
They  raz'd  the  counterscarp,  the  battlements 
Destroy'd  ;  and  the  projecting  buttresses, 


420  HOMEE'S     ILIAD.         Book  XIL 

Which,  to  sustain  the  tow'rs,  the  Greeks  had  fix'd 

Deep  in  the  soil,  with  levers  undermin'd. 

These  once  withdrawn,  they  hop'd  to  storm  the  wall ; 

jSTor  from  the  passage  yet  the  Greeks  withdrew,     285 

But  closely  fencing  with  their  bull's-hide  shields 

The  broken  battlements,  they  thence  hurl'd  down 

A  storm  of  weapons  on  the  foe  beneath. 

Commanding  from  the  tow'r  in  ev'ry  place 

"Were  seen  th'  Ajaces,  urging  to  the  fight,  290 

Imploring  these,  and  those  in  sterner  tones 

Rebuking,  who  their  warlike  toil  relax'd. 

"  Friends,  Grecians  all,  ye  who  excel  in  war, 
And  ye  of  mod'rate  or  inferior  strength, 
Though  all  are  not  with  equal  pow'rs  endued,         295 
Yet  here  is  work  for  all !  bear  this  in  mind, 
Nor  tow'rd  the  ships  let  any  turn  his  face, 
By  threats  dismay'd  ;  but  forward  press,  and  each 
Encourage  each,  if  so  the  lightning's  Lord, 
Olympian  Jove,  may  grant  us  to  repel,  300 

And  backward  to  his  city  chase  the  foe." 

Thus  they,  with  cheering  words,  sustain'd  the  war  : 
Thick  as  the  snow-flakes  on  a  wintry  day, 


Book  XII.        HOMER'S     ILIAD.  421 

When  Jove,  the  Lord  of  counsel,  down  on  men 

His  snow-storm  sends,  and  manifests  his  pow'r  :     '">(,-"i 

Hush'd  are  the  winds ;  the  flakes  continuous  fall, 

That  the  high  mountain  tops,  and  jutting  crags, 

And  lotus-cover' d  meads  are  buried  deep, 

And  man's  productive  labours  of  the  field ; 

On  hoary  Ocean's  beach  and  bays  they  lie,  310 

Th'  approaching  waves  their  bound  ;  o'er  all  beside 

Is  spread  by  Jove  the  heavy  veil  of  snow. 

So  thickly  flew  the  stones  from  either  side, 

By  Greeks  on  Trojans  hurl'd,  by  these  on  Greeks  ; 

And  clatter'd  loud  through  all  its  length  the  wall. 

Nor  yet  the  Trojans,  though  by  Hector  led,  316 

The  gates  had  broken,  and  the  massive  bar. 

But  Jove  against  the  Greeks  sent  forth  his  son 

Sarpedon,  as  a  lion  on  a  herd : 

His  shield's  broad  orb  before  his  breast  he  bore, 

"Well-wrought,  of  beaten  brass,  which  th'  arrn'rer'sliand 

Had  beaten  out,  and  lin'd  with  stout  bullVlmle  ; 

With  golden  rods,  continuous,  all  around  ; 

He  thus  equipp'd,  two  jav'lins  brandishing, 

Strode  onward,  as  a  lion,  mountain-bred. 


422  HOMER'S     ILIAD.       Book  XII. 

Whom,  fasting  long,  his  dauntless  courage  leads 
To  assail  the  flock,  though  in  well-guarded  fold ; 

And  though  the  shepherds  there  he  find,  prepar'd 
With  dogs  and  lances  to  protect  the  sheep, 
Not  unattempted  will  he  leave  the  fold  ;  330 

But,  springing  to  the  midst,  he  bears  his  prey 
In  triumph  thence  ;  or  in  the  onset  falls, 
Wounded  by  jav'lins  hurl'd  by  stalwart  hands  : 
So,  prompted  by  his  godlike  courage,  burn'd 
Sarpedon  to  assail  the  lofty  wall,  335 

And  storm  the  ramparts  ;  and  to  Glaucus  thus, 
Son  of  Hippolochus,  his  speech  address'd  : 

"  Whence  is  it,  Glaucus,  that  in  Lycian  land 
We  two  at  feasts  the  foremost  seats  may  claim, 
The  largest  portions,  and  the  fullest  cups  ?  340 

Why  held  as  Gods  in  honour  ?  why  endow'd 
With  ample  heritage,  by  Xanthus'  banks, 
Of  vineyard,  and  of  wheat  producing  land  ? 
Then  by  the  Lycians  should  we  not  be  seen 
The  foremost  to  affront  the  raging  fight  ?  345 

So  may  our  well-arm'd  Lycians  make  their  boast ; 
1  To  no  inglorious  Kings  we  Lycians  owe 

l 


Book  XII.       HOMER'S    ILIAD. 

Allegiance  ;  they  on  richest  viands  feed  ; 

Of  luscious  flavour  drink  the  choicesl  wine  ; 

But  still  their  valour  brightest  shows  ;  and  they,    350 

Where  Lycians  war,  are  foremost  in  the  fight  I' 

O  friend  !  if  we,  survivors  of  this  wa 

Could  live,  from  age  and  death  for  ever  free, 

Thou  shouldst  not  see  me  foremost  in  the  fight, 

Nor  would  I  urge  thee  to  the  glorious  field : 

But  since  on  man  ten  thousand  forms  of  death 

Attend,  which  none  may  'scape,  then  on,  thai 

May  glory  on  others  gain,  or  they  on  ub  !  " 

Thus  he  ;  nor  Glaucus  from  his  bidding  shrank  ; 
And  forward  straight  they  led  the  Lycian  pow're.  360 
Menestheus,  son  of  Peteus,  with  dismay 
Observ'd  their  movement ;  for  on  his  command, 
Inspiring  terror,  their  attack  was  made. 
He  look'd  around  him  to  the  Grecian  toVrs, 
If  any  chief  might  there  be  found,  to  save 
His  comrades  from  destruction  ;  there  he  saw, 
Of  war  insatiable,  th'  Ajaces  twain  ; 
And  Teucer,  from  the  tent  but  newly  come, 
Hard  by;  nor  yet  could  reach  them  with  Li-  v. .ice  ; 


£24  HOMEE'S      ILIAD.        Book  XII. 

Such  was  the  din,  such  tumult  rose  to  Heav'n,       370 
From  clatt'ring  shields,  and  horsehair-crested  helms, 
And  batter' d  gates,  now  all  at  once  assail'd  : 
Before  them  fiercely  strove  th'  assaulting  bands 
To  break  their  way  :  he  then  Thootes  sent, 
His  herald,  to  th'  Ajaces,  craving  aid.  375 

"  Haste  thee,  Thootes,  on  th'  Ajaces  call, 
Both,   if  it   may  be  ;   so  we  best  may  hope 
To  'scape  the  death,  which  else  is  near  at  hand ; 
So  fierce  the  pressure  of  the  Lycian  chiefs, 
Undaunted  now,  as  ever,  in  the  fight.  380 

But  if  they  too  are  hardly  press'd,  at  least 
Let  Ajax,  son  of  Telamon,  be  spar'd, 
And  with  him  Teucer,  skilled  to  draw  the  bow." 
He  said  ;  the  herald  heard,  and  straight  obey'd  ; 
Alono;  the  wall.where  stood  the  brass-clad  Greeks,  385 
He  ran,  and  standing  near  th' Ajaces,  said  : 

"  Ajaces,  leaders  of  the  brass-clad  Greeks, 
The  son  of  Heav'n-born  Peteus  craves  your  aid, 
To  share  awhile  the  labours  of  his  guard  ; 
Both,  if  it  may  be  ;  so  he  best  may  hope  390 

To  'scape  the  death,  which  else  is  near  at  hand  : 


Book  XII.       HOMEE'S     ILIAD.  425 

So  fierce  tlie  pressure  of  tlie  Lycian  chiefs, 

Undaunted  now,  as  ever,  in  tlie  fight. 

But  if  ye  too  are  hardly  press'd,  at  least 

Let  Ajax,  son  of  Telamon,  "be  spar'd,  395 

And  with  him  Teucer,  skill'd  to  draw  the  bow." 

He  said  :  the  mighty  son  of  Telamon 
Consenting,  thus  addresss'd  Oileus'  son  : 
"  Ajax,  do  thou  and  valiant  Lycomede 
Exhort  the  Greeks  the  struggle  to  maintain  ;  400 

"While  I  go  yonder,  to  affront  the  war, 
To  aid  their  need,  and  back  return  in  haste." 

Thus  saying,  Ajax  Telamon  set  forth, 
And  with  him  Teucer  went,  his  father's  son, 
"While  by  Pandion  Teucer's  bow  was  borne.  405 

At  brave  Menestheus'  tow'r,  within  the  wall, 
Arriv'd,  sore  press'd  they  found  the  garrison  ; 
For  like  a  whirlwind  on  the  ramparts  pour'd 
The  Lycians'  valiant  councillors  and  cliiefs. 
They  quickly  join'd  the  fray,  and  loud  arose  410 

The  battle-cry  ;  first  Ajax  Telamon 
Sarpedon's  comrade,  brave  Epicles,  slew, 
Struck  by  a  rugged  stone,  within  the  wall 


*2G  HOMER'S     ILIAD.        Book  XII. 

Which  lay,  the  topmost  of  the  parapet, 

Of  size  prodigious  ;  which  with  both  his  hands       415 

A  man  in  youth's  full  vigour  scarce  could  raise, 

As  men  are  now  ;  he  lifted  it  on  high, 

And  downward  hurl'd;  the  four-peak'd  helm  it  broke, 

Crushing  the  bone,  and  shatt'ring  all  the  skull ; 

He,  like  a  diver,  from  the  lofty  tow'r  420 

Fell  headlong  down,  and  life  forsook  his  bones. 

Teucer,  meanwhile,  from  off  the  lofty  wall 

The  valiant  Glaucus,  pressing  to  the  fight, 

Struck  with  an  arrow,  where  he  saw  his  arm 

Unguarded  ;  he  no  longer  brook'd  the  fray  ;  425 

Back  from  the  wall  he  sprang,  in  hopes  to  hide 

From  Grecian  eyes  his  wound,  that  none  might  see, 

And  triumph  o'er  him  with  insulting  words. 

With  grief  Sarpedon  saw  his  friend  withdraw, 

Yet  not  relax'd  his  efforts  ;  Thestor's  son,  430 

Alcmaon,  with  his  spear  he  stabb'd,  and  back 

The  weapon  drew ;  he,  following,  prostrate  fell, 

And  loudly  rang  his  arms  of  polish'd  brass. 

Then  at  the  parapet,  with  stalwart  hand, 

Sarpedon  tugg'd  ;  and  yielding  to  his  force  435 


uookXIL        HOMER'S    ILIAD.  427 

Down  fell  the  block  entire  ;  the  wall  laid  bare, 
To  many  at  once  the  breach  gave  open  way. 
Ajax  and  Tencer  him  at  once  assail'd  ; 
This  with  an  arrow  struck  the  glitt'ring  belt 
Around  his  breast,  whence  hung  his  pond'roufl  shield; 
But  Jove,  who  will'd  not  that  his  son  should  fall    -I  1 1 
Before  the  ships,  the  weapon  turn'd  aside. 
Then  forward  Ajax  sprang,  and  with  his  spear 
Thrust  at  the  shield  ;  the  weapon  pass'd  not  through, 
Yet  check'd  his  bold  advance ;  a  little  space  445 

Back  he  recoil'd,  but  not  the  more  withdrew. 
His  soul  on  glory  intent ;  and  rallying  quick, 
Thus  to  the  warlike  Lycians  shouted  loud  : 

"  -Why,  Lycians,  thus  your  wonl  ;ht  relax  i 

'Tis  hard  for  one  alone,  how  brave  soe'er,  450 

E'en  though  he  break  the  rampart  down,  to  force 
A  passage  to  the  ships ;  but  on  with  me  ! 
For  work  is  here  for  many  hands  to  do." 

He  said  ;  and  by  the  King's  rebuke  abash'd, 
With  fiercer  zeal  the  Lycians  press'd  around 
Their  King  and  councillor ;  on  th'  other  side 
Within  the  wall  the  Greeks  their  squadron  i'd  ; 


428  HOMER'S     ILIAD.       Book  XIL 

Then  were  great  deeds  achiev'd  ;  nor  thro'  the  breach 

Could  the  brave  troops  of  Lycia  to  the  ships 

Their  passage  force  ;  nor  could  the  warrior  Greeks  460 

Repel  the  Lycians  from  the  ground,  where  they, 

Before  the  wall,  had  made  their  footing  good. 

As  when  two  neighbours,  in  a  common  field, 

Each  line  in  hand,  within  a  narrow  space, 

About  the  limits  of  their  land  contend  ;  465 

Between  them  thus  the  rampart  drew  the  line  ; 

O'er  which  the  full-orb'd  shields  of  tough  bull's-hide, 

And  lighter  bucklers  on  the  warriors'  breasts 

On  either  side  they  clove  ;  and  many  a  wound 

The  pitiless  weapons  dealt,  on  some  who,  turn'd,  470 

Their  neck  and  back  laid  bare  ;  on  many  more, 

Who  full  in  front,  and  through  their  shields  were  struck. 

On  ev'ry  side  the  parapet  and  tow'rs 

With  Greek  and  Trojan  blood  were  spatter'd  o'er. 

Nor  yet,  e'en  so,  the  Greeks  to  flight  were  driv'n  ;  475 

But  as  a  woman  that  for  wages  spins, 

Honest  and  true,  with  wool  and  weights  in  hand, 

In  even  balance  holds  the  scales,  to  mete 

Tier  humble  hire,  her  children's  maintenance  ; 


UooxXlI.       HOMER'S     ILIAD. 

So  even  hung  the  balance  of  the  war3  ->0 

Till  Jove  with  highest  honour  Eector  crown'd, 
The  son  of  Priam ;  he,  the  foremi  il'd 

The  wall,  and  loudly  on  the  Trojans  call'd  : 

"  On,  valiant  Trojans,  on  !  the  Grecian  wall 
Break  down,  and  wrap  their  ships  in  blazing  fires." 

Thus  he,  exhorting,  spoke  ;  they  heard  him  all,  486 
And  to  the  wall  rush'd  numberless,  and  swarmM 
Upon  the  ramparts,  bristling  thick  with  spears. 
Then  Hector,  stooping,  seiz'd  a  pond'rons  si 
That  lay  before  the  gates;  'twas  broad  below. 
But  sharp  above  ;  and  scarce  two  lab'ring  men, 
The  strongest,  from  the  ground  could  raise  it  up, 
And  load  upon  a  wain  ;  as  men  are  now  ; 
.But  he  unaided  rifted  it  with  ease, 
So  light  it  seem'd,  by  grace  of  Saturn's  son. 
As  in  one  hand  a  shepherd  bears  with  ( 
A  fulksiz'd  fleece,  and  scarcely  feels  the  weight ; 
So  Hector  tow'rd  the  portals  bore  the  stone, 
Which  clos'd  the  lofty  double-folding  gate 
Within  defended  by  two  massive  bars  500 

Laid  crosswise,  and  with  one  cross  bolt  secur'd. 


430  HOMER'S     ILIAD.        Book  XII. 

Close  to  the  gate  lie  stood  ;  and  planting  firm 

His  foot,  to  give  his  arm  its  utmost  pow'r, 

"Full  on  the  middle  dash'd  the  mighty  mass. 

The  hinges  both  gave  way  ;  the  pond'rous  stone    505 

Fell  inwards  ;  widely  gap'd  the  op'ning  gates  ; 

Nor  might  the  bars  within  the  blow  sustain  : 

This  way  and  that  the  sever'd  portals  flew 

Before  the  crashing  missile  ;  dark  as  night 

His  low'ring  brow,  great  Hector  sprang  within  ;    510 

Bright  flask'd  the  brazen  armour  on  his  breast, 

As  through  the  gates,  two  jav'lins  in  his  hand, 

He  sprang  ;  the  Gods  except,  no  pow'r  might  meet 

That  onset ;  blaz'd  his  eyes  with  lurid  fire. 

Then  to  the  Trojans,  turning  to  the  throng,  515 

He  call'd  aloud  to  scale  the  lofty  wall ; 

They  heard,  and  straight  obey'd ;  some  scal'd  the  wall : 

Some  through  the  strong-built  gates  continuous  pour'd  ; 

While  in  confusion  irretrievable 

Fled  to  their  ships  the  panic-stricken  Greeks.        520 

I 

EKDWV0]'1-    $4  5  a      2 


J.  H.  Tobitt,  Pkinteb  asd  Stebeottper,  Franklin-iquare. 

.IftHw  V    Tnnw.  Printre.  BO  Or?.ene-street. 


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